One of the major benefits of living in Hammond is that I am never far from artistic availability. From the Columbia Theatre, to the Hammond Regional Arts Center, to original artwork sold at events held downtown, to name only a few, I love how artistic talent is not confined to the art department on campus. 

Recently I was in Downtown Covington and I noticed something that I believe Hammond should also have in Downtown: Poetry Boxes. 

I first noticed a poetry box outside of a coffee shop where I was meeting a friend. It was a beautiful poem, but I had no idea what a poetry box was. 

My friend explained to me that these boxes are found around Downtown and it gave people the opportunity to put in their original poetry. Also, if they wanted, they could pick up an original poem. The polite thing for a poet to do was to switch their poetry for another person’s poetry. It would be polite to not take a poem if no other poems were in the box because it took away the opportunity for another pedestrian to stop by the box and read an original piece of writing. 

Though I truly believe Hammond offers plenty of artistic variety with concerts in all genres of music, theatrical productions, art openings, artistic events in general and plenty of opportunities for the rising artist to showcase their original talent, I believe poetry boxes should be added to Downtown.

Furthermore, we could even have some artist create the poetry boxes. This would not only give the chance for writers to present their original writings, but it will give the chance for artists to show off their talent. 

Yes, it may cost a bit of money, but if people donated wood or gave scrap wood, you could have multiple artistic talents showing at once: the woodworker making the poetry boxes, the painter who paints the boxes and the original writings of the poet. Also, businesses could give permission on if they wanted a poetry box outside of their place of business to help determine where all poetry boxes would be placed. 

All in all, I believe that Hammond should consider adding the beneficial poetry boxes to make the city not only more artistic, but help to show the beauty of the soul of the people that call Hammond their home.