Bust a rhyme: poetry nights

You can read a poem (in public) almost every night of the week in Miami. Who knew? Did you? Tie your shoe.

Miami literati gather just about every night of the week, in bars, clubs and restaurants, here are our picks for where to share your latest odes.

Monday: Theatre of the Underground is a seven-year Monday-night tradition at Churchill's and it now has a Wednesday night counterpart that's more for aspiring singers/songwriters and acoustic musicians, but if you wanted to read your poetry, they won’t throw a pint of ale at your head, we promise. Owner Dave Daniels usually gets a great turnout -- the talent is good and the beer is cheap. Get there early for the sign-up.

Churchill's Pub, 5501 NE 2nd Ave., Little Haiti; 305-757-1807

Tuesday: The Bohemia Room at Cielo Garden and Supperclub is the spot to hear poetry in the Grove. With both featured performers and walk-off-the-street talent, it’s a consistent and lively Tuesday night (starting at 8 p.m.) venue and has been a mainstay on the poetry circuit for about seven years.

Cielo Garden and Supperclub, 3390 Mary St; 305-446-9060

Thursday (and Friday): Wallflower Gallery has been hosting a poetry night every third Friday of the month called Ploppy's Podium for almost a decade. In addition to the successful Friday night, they've recently launched a similar event every last Thursday of the month called Free Speech at 9p.m. Founder C.D. Flash says his event attracts all ages, from teenagers to senior citizens. Afterward, stick around to enjoy the live music and the art.

Wallflower Gallery, 10 NE 3rd St. Miami; 305-579-0069

Friday: Every last Friday of the month Books and Books hosts a poetry night at its Coral Gables store. It's free to the public and starts around 7:30 p.m. If you haven't had your fill of poetry, afterward you can browse the bookstore.

Books and Books, 265 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables; 305-442-4408

Saturday (and Thursday): Florida International University MFA students and their professors flock to the Luna Star Café in North Miami the second Thursday and second and fourth Saturday of every month. A long-standing poetry venue - 11 years and counting - owner Alexis Sanfield caters to an eclectic crowd and serves up food, beer and wine in her cozy café.

Luna Star Café, 775 NE 125th St., North Miami; 305-799-7123

Like New York's Nuyorican Poetry Cafe, Literary Cafe & Poetry Lounge was established specifically to create a venue for Miami's poets to share their latest musings. They are open seven days a week, but the main event is "Saturday Night Live" (9 p.m.) hosted by Will Da Real One and featuring house DJ Makeitdowhatitdo. The place is owned and operated by poets, and Will assures that the vibe is always friendly and relaxed, with no room for inflated egos.

Literary Cafe & Poetry Lounge, 1350 NE 125th St., North Miami; 305-981-4724

Flash, the owner of Wallflower Gallery stands in his art gallery.Photo By Nuri Vallbona