What has three lines, 17 syllables, iambic pentameter, an ABAB/CDCD/EFEF/GG rhyme scheme, continental accentual-syllabic meter AND the alliterative Anglo-Saxon meter, acrostic kookery, more than a little blank verse, beaucoup quatrains and couplets, and ode or nine, and assuredly one or two tender pastoral elegies?

Why, the Hygienic XXXIX's Poets Café! The event takes place Friday in the Hygienic Galleries.

The evening, which kicks off with a 7 p.m. cocktail hour, will be hosted by comedian Nika Domingo. Headlining will be Hartford poet Shanelle Sharpe, DJ Prime provides music, and tasty snacks will on hand from Fatboy's — the Wallace Stevens of New London restaurants. Oh, and, of course, there will also be plenty of open mic poetry from all manners of wordsmiths, but please note that space is limited, so arrive early to hit that sign-up sheet.

Each performer is limited to four minutes, so no recitations of Hiawatha, please.

Hygienic XXXIX Poets Café, 7 p.m. Friday, Hygienic Galleries, 79 Bank St., New London; $5 suggested donation; (860) 443-8001, hygienic.org.