Sacred Grounds Vol IV

This volume is for the travellers in all of us. 

Berjalai is a term you’ll hear in Sarawak. An Iban rite of passage where a young man leaves his home and heads out into the wilderness, coming back with new wisdom, treasures and tattoos. 

They say a man with tattoos has travelled far.

While the term is unique to Sarawak, the concept itself hits close to home (pun intended). We found this idea special because it asks us to consider, not just the notion of home, but what it’s like to return to a place or time knowing you have changed. 

While our ancestors had to venture into literal wilderness, today, your wilderness could look like accepting a new job, coming home after some time abroad, or navigating a new life after loss. The wilderness takes many forms, and so do the treasures we bring back from it. 

This volume is, in many ways, a collection of those treasures: poems and slices of life gathered from the journeys we take, both outward and inward.

Join us for an evening of poetry, food and drink as eight poets perform original works inspired by four specialty drinks and pastries, specially curated with our café partner. Expect different interpretations of this volume’s theme: Homecoming, a few laughs, and perhaps a little reflection of your own journey along the way.

Because we’re all travellers in one way or another.

And in one way or another, all we’re doing is walking each other home.

1. Event Details

Watch 8 poets perform original works at this live poetry show happening in BbAKEPLACE, PJ. Each poem is inspired by one of 4 specialty drinks/pastries curated by our cafe partner. Experience unique interpretations of the theme, a few laughs (hopefully), and sip and snack along with us as we go through the night.

• Venue: BbAKEPLACE, PJ
• Date: 10 October 2026
• Time: 8:00 PM (Doors open at 7:00 PM)

2. Who This Is For

• Poetry enthusiasts and live performance fans.
• Anyone interested in exploring the theme of new beginnings.
• Open to all audiences — no prior poetry knowledge required.

3. Additional Details / Things to Know

• Age: 16+ 
• Seating: General admission; arrive early for best spots.
• Food & Drink: There will be a tasting experience of the food and drink which inspired the poets. Food and specialty drinks from BbAKEPLACE available for purchase, but we suggest you have dinner beforehand.
• Contact: For inquiries, email chloe@stories-in-motion.com or samantha@theyellowcomma.com

4. Production

Sacred Grounds is a year-long programme dedicated to bridging poetry to new worlds. Built on three pillars — Performance, Education, and Community. Sacred Grounds creates spaces where poetry can be experienced, practised, and shared beyond the page. Grounded in the belief that poetry lives in people,  not just on the page, Sacred Grounds invites seasoned practitioners, first-time writers, and curious audiences to gather, slow down, and reconnect with language as a shared practice.