Washington Square Park versed today as the NYC Poetry Fest drew 3,000. Over 50 poets—slams, haikus—performed; a Queens teen’s ode won $1K; X hit 9,000 clips. Free zines—500 grabbed; $5 coffees sold 200. A jazz trio—150 snapped; 74°F sun shone. NYC’s words—Village speaks.
Host Maya Cruz, 49, packed NYU’s stage—her intro sparked cheers. Winner Jada Hill, 19, rapped on bodegas—crowd roared her name. Pop-up open mics—100 read; snaps echoed. New mics—clear sound—lifted verse. Park’s pulse—NYC’s poetic heart.
It’s not perfect—late start; tech lagged 10 minutes. Grass muddy—shoes stuck. Still, 50 poets, 3K ears—fest’s a hit. Post-event, Bleecker buzzed—rhyme talk flowed. Weekend run—NYC writes.
Cruz’s 49—poet queen? Hill’s 19—voice star. Village rhymed; NYC glowed. Poetry Fest—word on.
