That Bermudians love poetry is no secret. Less well known, however, is Ms Vernette Dorian's group, which meets on alternate Thursdays in the Student Hall of the Bermuda College from 6.30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

In existence for several months now, it welcomes (unusually) children, as well as teens and adults, including seniors on an open mike basis.

As its founder, Ms Dorian, who has been writing poetry since she was nine, ensures not only that everyone is made to feel welcome and has an enjoyable time, but also that the events are reasonably lively.

"While the focus is on poetry I also like to entertain, so I mix in all kinds of surprises, such as dancers," she says. "I like to do poetic skits as well because they add more flavour to the poem, and to my own poetry, and help to get over my message in poetic form."

The poet writes on any and every subject, and all of her pieces have a message. She also likes to keep them "short to medium" in length. "I write about any and everything pertaining to life - comedy, spiritual, comforting, motivating, and I write when the spirit hits me. It could be early in the morning, or sitting at a function," she says.

In 1976 Ms Dorian published a booklet of her poems which is available at the Bermuda Library, but has no plans to do it again any time soon, preferring instead the spoken word because she likes to see the effect her ideas have on her listeners.

Then, too, she recognises that there are people who cannot read, so verbalising her work is a convenient way of allowing them to enjoy it as well.

"It's all about reaching people and helping to motivate and inspire them, and give them a different perspective through poetry," she says. "I would also like to thank the student advisory department and the physical plant director and staff of the Bermuda College for making the Student Hall available."

The poetry group's next meeting will be on May 29 and all are welcome. Admission is free. To contact Ms Dorian, leave a message at 293-6269.