In response to this piece I invite writer, and fellow Chicago resident, Mr. Wexler to check out these local venues.

The Guild Complex

The Neighborhood Writing Alliance

The Poetry Center

Women and Children First

He could also take a look at the Chicago Reader which advertises readings and open mics throughout the city.

I also want to add that for Newsweek to run such a weak and facetious piece is pretty damn cynical. They're not really all that interested in whether poetry is dead or not. If they were interested in poetry at all they would publish it.