Countdown (7)

I must admit, I do like being seen. I am not shy. While I write most of my poems to be read, some of them were written with performing in mind. I know I have a lot of work to do on how I perform poetry. However, I do like the opportunity to connect with an audience.

Recently a good friend of mine, Ramon Carty, posted an article with the title Page vs. Spoken Word: A Gritty Defense of the Silent Revolution (Or: Why I Don’t Need a Mic to Be a Poet) It is a very interesting read. I am a big fan of Ramon’s poetry. I also admire his incessant work to organise events both online and in person. Hopefully I will have the chance to cross over to Canada and meet him.

After reading his post I took some time to deliberate over where I want to go with my writing. There is no doubt I want to publish a second book. Having poetry in print means people can take their time to consider the message in the words. To read between the lines. To take notes and consider any emotions the piece elicits.

All the same, I am a big fan of live events too. I like to engage with the audience. Read their eyes. Hold them, captive if I can. Very often performers are accompanied by friends who would not normally buy a poetry book. It is a chance to get a message across to someone who might otherwise not read/hear it.

At most of the open mic events I attend I am often the oldest or one of the oldest attending. It is a great opportunity to hear young poets talk about the issues relevant to them. I really do believe that my generation needs to do a lot more listening to the younger generation. I do feel that mixing with younger poets enabled me to keep an open mind. It certainly has helped me understand some of the issues that are important to my daughter.

I have always thought that aging brings about a sense of stagnation. The opportunity to mix with poets with different ideas, needs, and backgrounds has been valuable. It has allowed me to continue to adapt my perception of the world we live in. I am definitely getting older, just ask my knees, but I still feel that I am learning and developing. That stagnation has not set in yet.

In the next couple of weeks I will be in London again. This time I will be a featured poet in at least two events. I will be using the chance to share what is important to me. Expose my thoughts, fears and even at my age, my dreams. But at the same time I will be listening to others, engaging in conversations with them and even seek inspiration for new work.

This blog is the seventh in a series of 30 leading up to my sixtieth birthday.  Subscribe to my blog to keep up to date with my posts.

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