Monday, that most put-upon of weekdays, has gotten a bad rap. Yeah, going back to the office stinks, but the first day of the week also happens to be the best one for a good, invigorating talk. Think about it: You're still fresh from your weekend, and you haven't yet had your joie de vivre trounced by the working week. Lucky for you, the Striped Water Poets offer a a poetry reading and open mic Monday night hosted by Christopher J. Jarmick.

Before Jarmick announces the poetry open mic session, two poets will take the stage: Woodinville's Peggy Barnett and Tacoma-based writer and actress Emilie Rommel Shimkus.

The event is free, open to everyone and pretty damn cool, if you ask the Weekly Volcano (and really, by reading this, you are asking us).

[Station Bistro, 7-9 p.m., 110 2nd St. SW, Auburn, 253.735.1399]