The Mad Poet’s Society is an active organization of poets and writers who have joined together for camaraderie and critique with heart, to celebrate the creative soul and to promote the literary arts.  The Society aspires to bring poetry and the appreciation of the spoken word to Philadelphia and the surrounding communities and to foster a supportive, nurturing atmosphere to promote individual growth. Members provide an outlet for artistic energy and interests other than the workday world and offer opportunities and forums for new poets to express themselves in an encouraging atmosphere. Pinwheel is delighted to be hosting the Mad Poet’s Society for poetry readings in a cozy cafe environment on the 3rd Wednesday of each month!Non-members are equally welcome and encouraged to present a spoken or musical piece.

This is a free event with no RSVP required!

The April 15th scheduled readers are:

Matt Lake

Matt Lake took a sharp left turn after he wrote Weird Pennsylvania and other books in the Weird states series. He added poetry to the mix, and stood back as the Associated Press described his work as “like yelling ‘Fire!’ in a crowded theatre.” His work is not important—unless you believe that wry smiles, frivolous observations, and twisted wordplay are important.

Paul Bukovec

Paul Bukovec has been an avid cook and writer of poetry throughout his life.  He spent his 40 year professional career as a psychotherapist in public mental health, an assistant professor at Temple University, a professional trainer, program designer, and a program director. He was a significant figure in the field of domestic violence in the City of Philadelphia over three decades, creating the area’s first two Batterers Intervention Programs.  He treated thousands of difficult clients from all walks of life.  

Upon retirement, he shifted more of his attention to broadening his ethnic cooking repertoire, and to collecting, editing and adding to his body of writing. Shaped by his background and inspired by his gritty former clients, Paul likes to write quirky character studies, odd ball narratives and scenes inspired by the myriad of tales he’s heard over the course of his career.

His first book of published poetry came out in 2024:  In "Crusty Bits of Scrapple” he collected character profiles and vivid stories of random hard scrabble individuals all with distinctly recognizable Philly accents. His second volume, entitled,"On My Way Here” arrived in 2025. He describes it as both memoir-ish and Noir-ish. He is currently working on his third volume.