A local poet is inviting writers of all ages to showcase their work at a monthly poetry open mic at the Sunrise Cafe in Onset.

“In all reality, there is no bad poetry,” said Denise Raney, who has been hosting the event, “Poets Corner,” at the cafe since last spring.

Held on the first Monday of every month from 6 to 7 p.m., Poets Corner is open to writers of all abilities as well those who want to stop by just to listen and enjoy the shop's gourmet coffee and pastries.

Recognizing the need for the younger generation to carry the torch, Raney said she's encouraging younger poets to attend the monthly readings.

“If [younger poets] need a place to share their writings, this is a great place to do it,” she said, adding that the atmosphere is very relaxed. “I really, really, want to see what they have to say.”

Raney, who lives in Pocasset, but spent most of her life in Wareham, has one published book of poetry, entitled, “So,” and another on the way. She also hosts poetry sessions at Cape Cod Community College and is a member of Guyer Barn Poets. You may also recognize her from Wareham Community Television's (WCTV) “Your Daily Gumbo.”

“This area really needs more literary culture,” Raney said, encouraging writers to stop in for the readings. “If you've written something, it's good to share it.”

Poets Corner is recorded for air on WCTV, but Raney said that shouldn't discourage anyone from showing up and participating, because the camera can always be turned off.

“You're writing can touch a person,” Raney said. Her tagline is: “Don't just think it. Ink it.”