Special to the Times-Free Press
On Sunday, August 3, Bremen Street Park’s Amphitheatre came alive with rhythm, resilience, and reflection as the inaugural Park Poetree open mic event welcomed an enthusiastic crowd of poets, music lovers, and community members from across the Greater Boston area. The outdoor gathering, co-curated and hosted by award-winning storyteller and East Boston native Essmaa Litim, was a powerful celebration of poetry, identity, and spiritual connection — all set against the lush backdrop of the Mary Ellen Welch Greenway.
With blankets and chairs spread across the grass, attendees were treated to a range of powerful performances, thoughtful activations, and vibrant energy from start to finish. The event’s standout feature, a “Poetree” adorned with handwritten lines of poetry from guests, stood as a symbolic centerpiece of collective expression and truth-telling.
A highlight of the evening was a moving poetry reading by Briana Crockett, in celebration of her newly released book A Body of Want, a Galaxy of Other Trinkets. Her reading deeply resonated with the crowd, setting a tone of vulnerability and reflection that echoed throughout the evening.
Christina (@purelypoetic), the featured poet of the night, captivated the audience with her dynamic and soul-stirring set, weaving together themes of identity, healing, and love. Her poem “Good Morning Beautiful” received roaring applause and left a lasting impression on all who witnessed it.
The open mic itself was electric, a showcase of raw talent, emotion, and authenticity. Poets took to the mic to speak on themes of God, spirituality, and identity, creating a collective current of testimony and transformation. Each voice brought heat, heart, and purpose, building a sacred space where every word mattered.
To keep the vibes alive between sets, DJs Gogo (@theofficialgogo) and Flexxgatsby delivered an unforgettable soundtrack. Their sets kept the energy flowing and the crowd moving with a standout moment as the audience danced joyfully to Jerusalema by Master KG and Nomcebo Zikode, turning the field into a celebration of joy and rhythm.
The stage design was a visual poem in itself, terracotta chiffon draped in olive green fabric, accented by vases of red florals and fresh eucalyptus, evoking a sense of being truly held by the earth. The natural surroundings of the Greenway only amplified the event’s grounding energy.
Attendees were also treated to delicious Latin American cuisine, catered by East Boston favorite Bono Restaurant, which quickly became a crowd favorite, with guests returning for seconds and thirds.
Park Poetree was a gathering of souls, a reclaiming of public space, and a reflection of what’s possible when art, community, and culture come together with intention. People from all walks of life, families, friends, solo creatives, and neighborhood elders stayed present from beginning to end, united by a shared love for storytelling and sacred gathering.
This unforgettable event was made possible through the generous sponsorship and partnership of the Mary Ellen Welch Greenway organization. Their commitment to activating green spaces through cultural and artistic expression helped bring this vision to life.
Essmaa Litim, who led the curation and execution of the event, was praised for her heartfelt hosting and visionary leadership. Through Park Poetree, she created an experience that centered joy, justice, and belonging.
Park Poetree will return in 2026. Until then — let the park be your page.