On Tuesday, April 9 at 7 PM, Lakeland University held an open mic poetry event. Poet Harold Green headed the event as the university’s special guest for the evening. Earlier that day, Green ran a poetry workshop for those interested in learning more about the art. 

The open mic was an intimate gathering of 6 to 10 people. Green requested to hear from the students in attendance before sharing his own work. 

“I don’t see this as a performance; I see this as a conversation,” Green said. 

Green developed his love for writing at a young age. It started with his father who wrote poems for him and his sister. He returned the favor one Christmas when he gifted his family poems as presents.  

“My dad hugged me. My mom and sister were crying. And my sister said ‘Harold, you have to keep writing.’ I knew I wanted to make it a profession,” Green said. 

Green’s poems covered love, loss of love and what he defined as revolutionary love. Revolutionary love is about changing oneself for the better, society and the world. He wishes to share what he learned through his experiences and to be an example for others.