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POETIC FORMS OF ENGAGEMENT

TAYLOR M. PARKER

Ashley Dun and Jesse Cale—founding partners of the Columbus, Ohio–based Secret Midnight Press—have a fascinating story to tell. And they believe it is through our most deeply felt stories that we dare to tell to others that bonds of kindness, compassion, and connection are forged.

Their success has been self-made. As they describe on their company’s website (in a chapter they’ve titled “Friends That Cry Together, Ride Together”), in their younger days they were the kind of friends who would huddle together to talk about “the saddest songs they’ve ever heard and favorite films specifically ending in tragedy.” Once adulthood hit, the friendship continued, and eventually they decided to “finish the books they had always talked about writing.” But why stop at creating poetry, stories, music, and more? Why not launch a “publishing company and curiosity brand”?

In a short amount of time, the two accomplished that ambitious goal and more—publishing poetry collections individually and together. Rather than waiting to be given a publishing deal, or looking for an outside venue to offer them a safe space for their authentic voices to be heard or a music platform for performance opportunities, Dun and Cale had the courage to basically hire themselves by creating those outlets on their own. They soon went on to expand their team and are now growing a stable of authors while building an impressive international audience and a global community of fellow creatives. As the two perform and travel the country, as well as Europe, their shows include invitations for audience members to “share their art and share their heart,” through an open-mic platform.

Definitely a dynamic duo, Dun and Cale generously empower their followers to embrace their own truths, gifts, and the creative voices that set them apart—just as the two of them have.

Cale, a poet and musician, refers to himself as a “deep-feeling, magic being” and has said that he wants to be known as “a storyteller, an imaginative person, and a creator.” Raised on bedtime stories his father used to make up on the spot, Cale has a lot to say about how stories forge connections between the teller and the listener:

“I’ve lived a very interesting life, and I love recalling it to tell stories … how people describe things—like the taste of food or the way they felt after watching a movie or hearing a certain song—is even storytelling … Everything can be a story. It’s all about how people fall in love with life, the things that they love in life, and the things that make you hurt that people like to talk about. When it comes down to it, it’s the things that make you feel that you talk about and that can become the story.”

Dun, who has called herself a “highly sensitive person and empath,” has spoken about how sharing stories can be a means of offering kindness and helping to promote empathy—whether for oneself or for others:

“Being kind and empathetic makes my life easier—because if somebody does something that hurts me, I’m able to be sensitive to their story and how their brokenness may have led them to that. It helps me not hold on to bitterness and have the fulfillment of deep relationships in these times. It’s interesting, as a woman, to be accepted as sensitive, and it can be perceived as weak (which I do not want), but I go on stage every night to share my art. I just hope that it can inspire more women and more people to be sensitive and authentic.”

Audience members who have attended their events around the nation are evidence of the impact that the work of Secret Midnight Press has already achieved. Event attendees echo the fact that these performances not only establish and sustain a community for creatives but also inspire others to join in sharing their stories, being kind to themselves, and finding strength in vulnerability—a key ingredient in self-expression and art.

The Secret Midnight Press events, said one fan, made them feel “safe and supported” and seemed to make strangers feel as if they’re surrounded by friends. Another attending poet said, “I couldn’t feel alone here, no matter what I’m going through.”

Others who have been part of the events—both in this country and abroad—express deep gratitude to the two inspiring poets for creating a platform where all are encouraged to share stories, poetry, music, and other creative efforts. To those seeking input about how to go further as creatives, and to all young or aspiring poets and storytellers, Ashley Dun and Jesse Cale have special messages for you:

“Have grace always. Stay rooted in love and compassion for others and for yourself. Be brave. Speak up and speak out. Ask for help when you need it. Know that things will be okay.”
—ASHLEY DUN

“Share your heart. Don’t be so hard on yourself. Please try to be a friend to yourself, no matter how hard that may be.”
—JESSE CALE

If you can’t make it to a Secret Midnight Press event anytime soon, why not create a similar type of event at a welcoming place near you? It may be one of the kindest things you could do for yourself or for someone else.

Singing, songwriting, and dancing are powerful forms of expression, so I’m thrilled Taylor highlighted how important expressing yourself can be and how we don’t need an invitation, a record deal, a publishing offer, etc., to share our experiences in the world. In whatever form you choose to do this in, we’re proud of you for bravely sharing your feelings with someone. If you don’t know where to start, check out Power Poetry, the world’s first and largest mobile poetry community for youth, and be sure to check out Channel Kindness to read more stories about expressing yourself kindly.