The readings extended past the Open Mic meetings in the Gate Two Street Bar. Here’s Mike reading outside The Jet.
Michael De Vito Jr.
Today is the 15th anniversary of Poetry Day. So, here’s a poem I wrote about a poet friend, Michael De Vito Jr., who tirelessly hosted live mic poetry nights in the Gate Two Street bars of Okinawa City.
ANOTHER POET’S GONE
By David Allen
Another poet’s gone today.
The light seems a bit dimmer.
The tropic colors have faded,
As if the island already mourns.
The words across this lined page
Cannot capture the true loss.
He’s gone and with him
Goes a bit of our group’s glow.
We’re the one’s left behind
To pick up the shards of words
That didn’t fit into his small suitcase
We’re the ones who will tell tales
Of poetic nights of bliss,
Pacing the floor like prize fighters,
Waiting for another turn in the ring.
Oh, but the spotlight’s snapped off
And the stage is dark.
The pumped-up poet,
“The Mike,” has slipped
Away to that Broadway isle
And we are left to raise a pint
And drink to his memory.
Type Dancing 