Thursday, September 22, 2011

Post Reading High

Thanks to everyone who came to the reading last night! I had fun.

It was the first time I have ever had this long a time slot to read my poetry in (35 minutes) and it was an interesting and useful exercise in preparing for the reading to create a narrative line that bound the poems together. In this particular case the narrative was about my complicated and rewarding relationship that was all about poetry with Andrew.

So many times, most times we go to a reading and the poet reads one poem, maybe with a little comment and then another, maybe with another comment and in the end we get a somewhat disjointed view of the body of work.

And reading is all about the body.The physical body and the body of work.

As far as I am concerned it is about respect too. Respecting the folks that have shown up and are listening to you. I have just barely heard a number of featured readers in the last five months or so since I have been back in the mix. Mumbling, never looking at the audience, swallowing words, etc. etc.

I know reading in public is difficult. It takes a different skill set then writing the darn poems. But please, if you are going to do it, think a little about the experience of your audience...

This morning I feel this unusual for me sensation of delight and accomplishment.

Absolutely lovely.

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Thursday, September 01, 2011

Join Me September 21st!

Do join me on Wednesday September 21st at St. John's Booksellers at 8622 N Lombard Portland at 7pm for my new chapbook launch and Featured Poetry Reading.

There will an Open Mic afterwards so bring a poem or two of your own.