Oct. 30, 2008
A moonlit gondola ride down the waterways of Venice couldn't compete with the atmosphere of Lyon Books. Not even sipping hot chocolate in front of your fire place can match the coziness and warmth that emanates from the tiny bookstore.
Situated at 121 W. 5th Street, this jewel of a shop caters to Chico's literary crowd.
It was within these comfy confines, more like a friend's living room than a store, that Wednesday evening's Halloween and Day of the Dead poetry contest took place.
The group that gathered to read and listen was small but enthusiastic. Ranging in age from retirees to small children, less than 20 people gathered around the shop's front window in front of a makeshift stage.
In honor of Halloween, some participants dressed up for the event. One woman wore a dazzling floral outfit, complete with a pink veil draped around her hat. Another man entered the store as the title character from the "Where's Waldo?" books. Decked out in his Day-Glo blue slacks and red & white striped shirt, the Waldo impersonator walked through the door and asked the crowd "Was somebody looking for me?"
Jeanne Clark, an award winning author and English professor, was appointed judge for the contest. Clark received approximately 20 poems divided into three categories: scary, grave and humorous.
"The submissions were wonderful," Clark said. "I wished I could've given more awards."
A winner was selected from each category and asked to read their poem aloud. After receiving an award, each poet took to the microphone and recited their entry. Lara Gularte, a published poet and creative writing instructor, read her poem "Day of the Dead." It was beautifully macabre.
After the winners recited their poems, other participants were invited to read their entrees.
The poems were quite dark for the most part. Despite their gloomy nature, each poem was a delightful tribute to the morbid.
Others focused on ghoulish humor or the loveliness of fall.
Despite the festive fun inside Lyon Books, an uncertain future lies ahead for the store.
The devastation of this summer's fires, as well as the economic turmoil facing Americans, has led to a dramatic drop in sales.
Heather Lyon, owner of Lyon Books, said she's "waiting for an angel" to help keep the store open.
Despite doing all she can to cut costs, Lyon sees a miracle as the only way to keep the shop open, she said.
However, she's trying to stay hopeful.
"Poetry and bad things exist at the same time," Lyon said. "There will always be poetry."
Eric Wendt can be reached at ewendt@theorion.com
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