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!

Please arrive early to place food & beverage orders.

The October scheduled readers are: Naomi Pliskow and Robert Zaller

Naomi Pliskow published her first poetry collection in a three-ringed binder at age 8. She recently returned to writing poetry after a hiatus of many decades and three careers. Her poems appear in One Art, Adanna, Schuykill Valley Journal, Canary and several anthologies. Her satirical song lyrics were published in the New York Times in 2024. She is editor of the Mad Poet’s Newsletter in Philadelphia.

Robert Zaller, poet, historian, and critic, is the author of numerous books of poetry and literary translation.  His most recent books of poetry include Speaking to Power, The Dresden Zoo, and After the Fire.  His works of history and criticism include The Discourse of Legitimacy in Early Modern England and Robinson Jeffers and the American Sublime.  He is Drexel Distinguished Professor of History Emeritus.  His honors include a Guggenheim fellowship and membership in the Royal Historical Society.