Behind the typewriter: Poems on the spot comes back to night market

Dennise Atcherson had his own business at the Garrison Night Market called "Poems on the Spot." (Malachi Lafurgey/AQ)

The Garrison Night Market is home to many vendors, including Dennise Atcherson, who runs a small canopy tent called “Poems on the Spot.” 

Originally from Quebec, Atcherson travelled to study at the University of New Brunswick (UNB) in the early 70’s. He then pursued his studies at Bishop’s University for Sociology and English in Quebec. 

However, it wasn't until Atcherson went to the University of Manitoba to complete his master's degree that his poems started to transform into a reality.

“I wanted to understand and study human play,” said Atcherson.  

According to Atcherson, there are four main drivers to human life: eat, sleep, procreate and go to the washroom.

Atcherson wanted to add a fifth one,“play.” 

“We have to play,” he said. “Humans want to create.”  

After Atcherson completed his master’s program, he moved back to Fredericton to visit friends he made during his time at UNB.

He began a family and raised his twin boys on his own. He moved three times in a span of four years. 

While going through hardships and instability, Atcherson decided he needed an anchor that would help keep his family grounded.

“All these life experiences, bubbles under the surface, for me to then be able to understand what the other person is going through or has gone through.”  

To Atcherson, his inspiration for poetry is a mystery that does not need to be solved.  

“I don't want to understand it. I'm just letting it come out, having the heart’s awareness to be able to help others find their authentic selves,” he said. 

Atcherson also taps into his client’s emotions when they are telling their stories and the energy they’re transmitting. 

“When I sit down when I'm doing poems, I believe, I sense the other person’s vibrational rate, but I won’t claim it.” 

“It all comes back to play and energy for me,” said Atcherson.