by Allegra Wiborg

True, most of the poets at open-mic and slam readings are bad and obnoxious, but now and then readers do present sophisticated and downright moving work. It is for these moments, the unexpected brilliant readings, that such democratic venues are important. Where else do young, talented, but unknown poets have a chance to expose their work? That said, here is the vital Seattle guide for sharing your words with the world.

The Lighter Side

PoetsWest

This venue has featured poets and audience readers. Nobody's a critic--but they do want to stay away from "out-and-out vulgar" poetry; just good clean fun, folks. Sundays at 7 pm. Wit's End Bookstore & Tea Shop, 770 N 34th St, 682-1268, free.

Scratching PostThe Scratching Post promotes a supportive environment; everyone is welcome to share work. Thursdays at 8 pm, signup at 7:30 pm. Mr. Spot's Chai House, 5463 Leary Ave NW, 297-2424, free.

Stage FrightHere, teens from 13-21 run the program, but all ages are welcome. Second and fourth Wednesday of every month, 7-9 pm. Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave, 322-7030, free.

Multimedia Open MicStraightforward open mic: music, words; not a slam. Second, third, and fourth Saturday of every month at 9 pm. Aurafice Cafe, 616 & 612 E Pine St, 860-9977, free.

Verbal TeaAfter a jazz band sets the mood, anyone is welcome to showcase her/his talent(s) in front of an animated audience. Big crowd, heavy on the literary and hiphop scene. Every third Friday of the month, 8 pm. Cafe Solstice, 4116 University Way, 675-0850, $3.

Swirls Before Pine"Writer Vanessa Raun Sooy hosts, as well as participates in, the well-received Swirls Before Pine. She requires her poets to read finished work only, and no music is allowed. This helps to weed out angst-ridden diary entries, rough-draft songs, and undeveloped poetry. The result is a committed literary forum." (Laura Dunn-Mark) Mondays at 7 pm. Coffee Messiah, 1554 E Olive Way, 861-8233, free.

The Harder Stuff

Seattle SpitDykes pack into this small venue to hear Ani DiFranco-esque "fuck you" poetry. It has featured poets and there is always a good turnout. First Thursday of every month at 8 pm. Wildrose, 1021 E Pike, 324-9210, free, 21+.

Jet City Poetry Slam"Once faced with a word challenge--'diaper'--at the Jet City Poetry Slam, 24-year-old poet Morris Stegosaurus offered up a shocker: He performed his ode to Huggies wearing nothing but a bright white swaddling cloth. His mastery of this art form gained him a spot in the National Poetry Slam's Seattle team.

"Poetry slams such as this are designed precisely: They emphasize performance over writing ability. A poet who is also a performer and clever on stage will excel at slams, because the only way to win is by surprising the audience more than anyone else. Randomly selected judges decide who goes home with the first-place prize of $25. Morris advises: 'Drop your ego, drop pretenses/Drop your logic--drop defenses.'" (Laura Dunn-Mark) Tuesdays at 8 pm. Central Saloon, 207 First Ave S, 427-2300, $3, 21+.

Seattle Poetry SlamThis venue offers an open mic, featured poets, and a rowdy slam finale. Like at Jet City, winners score $25 and a chance to get a slot on the team going to the national slam in the fall. Wednesdays at 8 pm. Sit & Spin, 2219 Fourth Ave, 441-9484, $4, 21+.