#10. Read My Own Work at a Poetry Reading
I semi-cheated on this one…
…instead of finding a poetry reading at which to read some of my own work, I planned and hosted one at the library!
Bongos+Beatniks+Berets Coffee Shop and Open Mic Poetry Night took place on Thursday, April 8. It was not well attended, comparatively speaking. However, I had the stress of reading in front of some total strangers…as well as the more intimidating situation of reading in front of friends.
The event was a tongue in cheek tribute to the Beat Generation. We told people they could read ANYTHING…their own work, their favorite work by other poets, the sides of cereal boxes…There were so few people at the event that my friend Steve and I had to fill the majority of mic time. I read several other poets, Metallica lyrics, and a week’s worth of tweets from my twitter feed. But, in order for this to count as one of my 26@26, I had to read my own stuff…
So I read a selection of haikus I had written, one fairly personal poem from my undergrad years, and the best poem I have ever written (which regrettably was written as a sophomore in high school…how sad…I poetically peaked at fifteen…).
The poems were well received. I got a great *guffaw* from Steve for my Haiku #23. And he and my friend Sarah said that Two and Two (the best poem) was clever. My personal poem, “Message to my Mirror”, apparently revealed a dark angsty side that they didn’t know I had.
I have decided to end this entry with Haiku #23 (which was written during the only math class I ever took at ACU):
Air Conditioning
Can Be A Horrible Curse
When You Have No Sleeves
