The Poet House: A Message from Executive Director Michael Hatcher on Honoring Giselle Robinson’s Poetry Legacy

The Poet House is a nonprofit dedicated to celebrating spoken word poetry and fostering an inclusive community. In this message from Executive Director Michael Hatcher, he reflects on the legacy of Giselle Robinson, a beloved poet in the DFW scene. Founded in her memory, The Poet House continues her vision by providing spaces for artists to connect, grow, and inspire through programs like every.Word Poetry and Courageous Cadence.

The Poet House is a non-profit dedicated to celebrating the art of spoken word poetry and fostering a vibrant, inclusive community. It was founded in memory of the late Giselle Robinson. Giselle, more affectionately known as “G,” was an accomplished poet in the Dallas-Fort Worth poetry scene. She was not only dedicated to the craft but also to the community. Giselle opened her home to DFW poets every Monday night, hosting workshops to nurture local talent and provide poets with a place to bond and share similar experiences.

I met Giselle in 2011 when we both made the Fort Worth Slam Team. We were two naïve, wide-eyed rookies attending our first National Slam, surrounded by a team of talented veteran poets. We spent that whole summer together building a bond, writing, and preparing for competition. That year, we battled all the way to the semifinals before losing to the eventual champions. Over the years, I learned so much from Giselle about poetry and navigating relationships. People were always drawn to her. Whether it was her strong Caribbean accent or her nurturing nature, she welcomed everyone with open arms. Giselle made an indelible mark on me through her art and interactions with people. Today, I strive to greet everyone with the same openness she showed me.

Giselle was well-respected as a top performer and writer on a national level. She represented DFW at several national competitions and published multiple books. One of the most amazing things about her was that she never allowed her success to change the way she treated people. It didn’t matter if it was someone’s first time on a microphone or a decorated celebrity poet—homemade curry, warm pleasantries, and a welcoming space in her home were always available to all of us.

At the heart of The Poet House is the belief that poetry is not just an art form, but a powerful means of connection. Whether it’s through our open mics with every.Word Poetry or our outreach to local schools through Courageous Cadence, we strive to cultivate an environment where spoken word can spark change, raise awareness, and unite people. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to making this possible. I truly believe our power rests in how well we come together as a community, and the support we’ve received has been overwhelming. I am eternally grateful for the time, presence, and talent it takes from our community to make this work. Giselle’s vision of a world where poetry is accessible to all continues to guide us as we work to uplift voices that deserve to be heard. Join us in keeping her spirit alive, as we honor her legacy and build a future where every word matters.