Verses of the Heart: A Night of Love, Loss, and Spoken Word

At first, we weren’t sure what to expect when bringing together people from all over the community to celebrate the theme of Love and Loss at Happy Hands Pottery and Art Studio in Brampton. But as the night unfolded, it became something truly special—a space filled with vulnerability, reflection, hope, and resilience.

Behind the scene.

The day before, we meticulously prepared, ensuring the perfect lighting, seating arrangement, and camera setup. Every detail, including the mic check, was carefully considered so that when the time came, the event would flow seamlessly. When March 21st arrived, we were ready.

As the clock struck 7:30 PM, guests began arriving, exchanging warm greetings and engaging with one another. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as Joshua played a soulful mix of original songs and acoustic covers, setting the perfect mood for the evening ahead.

As the seats filled, I stepped up to the mic to welcome everyone.

“Welcome to the poetry open mic night, where the theme is Love & Loss. I am your host today, Angelica, alongside Mehad, a poet and artist, and Joshua, our musical performer. For those of you who are new to the space, this is Happy Hands Pottery and Art Studio, a creative hub that hosts events like these as well as workshops in drawing, painting, pottery, and more. Feel free to explore all they have to offer!”

The first open mic performer delivered a gripping poem on anger, inviting the audience to reflect on how we engage with our emotions. This was followed by a deeply moving poem on grief, where the poet reminisced about the paperclip her mother once used—an object carrying so much love and memory. During a later Q&A moment, she shared how cathartic it felt to express her emotions through poetry. The crowd’s response was overwhelmingly positive, a testament to the power of creative expression in processing loss.

Later, I took the stage for a 15-minute performance, sharing my personal experiences with Love and Loss through poetry from my book, Interconnectedness. What once began as grief evolved into wholeness and, ultimately, an understanding of love as a state of being. One of the poems I performed, Love Has No Confines, captures this sentiment:

“I see love as this—this creation, this breathing, this spirit kept alive. The mysteries of your being, and the secrets you keep inside.”

Mehad followed with a compelling performance, engaging the audience with a call-and-response moment, chanting “type love” in unison—a reminder that love takes many forms and expressions.

As the night progressed, more voices took the mic, each sharing personal stories of love, heartbreak, longing, and resilience. It became clear that these experiences, though deeply personal, are also universal. Through spoken word, we recognized each other’s pain, joy, and growth, weaving a shared tapestry of human emotion.

To close the night, Joshua performed a heartfelt song dedicated to his brother, leaving the room in a reflective hush. His lyrics, raw and tender, lingered in the air, offering a perfect ending to an evening that had already touched so many hearts.

Gathering in a space like this—surrounded by kindred spirits, united by art and emotion—reminds us that we are never truly alone. These moments, where creativity and vulnerability intertwine, are essential. They show us that our voices matter. And sometimes, without even realizing it, our words can leave an imprint on someone else’s heart. There is something truly beautiful about that.

Whether you’re looking to express yourself through poetry, painting, or pottery, Happy Hands Pottery & Art Studio is the perfect place to explore your creativity. Don’t miss out on our future events and workshops—connect, create, and be inspired! Click here for future events at our studio.