On the Write SideWriting and reading in community:
I share my observations and experiences on writing, reading and listening. Venues include: open mics, Zoom readings, workshops, publications, book clubs and beyond... because everything has a story, it is open for interpretation. |
"I plan to present Sirens at the California Association Teachers of English Conference." There was no plan at the time, only what seemed like a logical hope. Working with the editors at Jamii Publishing, it was suggested that I put footnotes with the poems. I never expressed it, but internally, I felt uncomfortable ...and it was interesting to hear a well-established poet announce her dislike of poetry with footnotes at a writer's workshop... I took note and thought about how, at one point, I might have agreed, but the Sirens journey requested to be clearly identified - and the answer served well. One of my colleagues was eager to teach the poems to her class. The footnotes were an opportunity to provide historical background. Invited into her classroom, I saw how the issues addressed were points that could be explored even further.... It was at this point that I was grateful for the footnotes and those footnotes were a springboard to creating unit lesson plans - research - technology and providing my colleague with a myriad of options for teaching some of the concepts. It was more than exciting as she shared the growth and talked about her appreciation of the rigor, the engaging resources and most importantly student learning. Footnotes - technology - website - zoom. With her feedback and conversations with students - that unplanned declaration became a planned presentation. Sirens and the CATE presentation were a perfect combination that I couldn't have planned in my best dream.
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Could it rain any harder? Rain is great weather for writing poetry but not so great for people to get in their cars and drive to hear poetry. Yet, the first 2017 Fourth Sunday Claremont Poetry reading was well-attended. If you aren't familiar with Claremont, it is one of those perfect college towns, with streets lined with well-rooted trees, guardians of wisdom and stability, and a natural welcome that assures safety. The buildings are classic, sturdy, grey, stone-solid, not too ornate, but enough to ensure art and creativity are afoot. It is not a hustle-bustle campus but a pleasant stroll to and from class, quiet enough to construct new universes of thought and being. In other words, the perfect place for a poetry reading. My older son, Marcus, was visiting with me, which was perfect because I forgot I was supposed to have someone to introduce me. All poetry venues have some unique quality; it could be the setting, the personality of the host, a ritual, or regular readers. The Claremont Fourth Sunday has the reader bring their own, not introduction, but person to introduce them... Usually, the poet has no idea what their guest introducer will say, so it is as much a treat to the reader as the audience. Who better to introduce you than your own son - and thankfully he was willing. That was the highlight as well as the pensive and empathetic facial expression that created an immediate bond. It was wonderful to see some of my students and their parents and talk with them during intermission. I had the pleasure of reading with Karen Greenbaum, who is witty and vibrant, her poetry is a tour through literature, love, landscapes interior and exterior. Her husband introduced her and between his touching introduction and her poetry I felt as though I had been invited into their world and was able to glimpse the soul of their union... I know that sounds mushy - but it's true. I seldom - I don't remember the last time I used the word soul in anything I have written - but there it is. The perfect way to start a new year.
Open mics are often a draw for high school and college students. They provide a safe place to wrestle through emotions and political ideas. Some participants come for the free microphone therapy, others have a genuine interest in writing. Here are five reasons why I find open mics to be an invaluable part of my social fabric. 1. Voice - Delivery style and voice. It's a great way to experience a variety of styles of writing and delivery. It also provides an opportunity to rehearse voice modulation, enunciation, and rhythm. 2. Exposure - Motivated to grow. Exposure to a variety of voices and delivery styles can be a great motivator to improve one's work and reading style. Sometimes the way an audience responds to the delivery of a poem can change the way you hear and relate to your own work. 3. Listeners -The gift of listening. Those who attend open mics learn that the audience and participants are willing and interested listeners, which has the added perk of helping to build confidence. 4. Inspiration - Energy and creativity. A variety of ideas and concerns, as well as invigorating discussions about writing, community and political activism, and personal growth are points of inspiration. 5. Friendships - Common interests and causes. Authentic feedback on writing, not to mention going to events beyond open mics, are another powerful reason to stretch your social muscles and come on out to an open mic. Imagine an eatery with brilliant white, tall bare walls, and even brighter lights, a sterile canvas waiting to be painted with food, people, good conversation, rotating art, and energy. This is Hot Butter - as warm as it sounds. Exotic deserts, vegetables with curry and other delightful flavors... and coffee can be ordered without the barrage of questions on size. Of course, it is served in a white cup, but a real coffee cup, not a to-go container with a logo. They expect that you will want to stay, and you do. As usual, for most poetry readings, there was a Facebook post inviting hundreds of people, and while everyone didn't respond, those that came out on a Sunday evening from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. filled all the seats in the house and left some standing. One of the reasons for such a healthy gathering might be that the admission is free - a rarity these days with poetry readings charging anywhere from $5 to $15, depending. Mostly though, it is the warm inviting personality of the host, Christa Youngern. At least, that is what drew me out because anyone that knows me knows that I loathe driving at night. It was raining, and it actually felt like a mild winter evening. As I pulled up to the parking lot, I thought - this can't be the place - it's too well lit. So, it was simply a unique evening all the way around, from the crisp weather to the well-lit cafe to the inviting artists, hosts and feature poet. I decided to sit as far away from everyone and everything - all the way in the back - my comfort zone; it also allows me to better observe without being concerned with being observed. An attentive audience was completely engaged and even patrons who were there simply for the delicious food were drawn in and participated. Many, many, many acoustic guitar performances - very folksy - reminiscent of the Cohen Brother's movie Llewyn Davis. Oh and that painting behind me in the photo is fantastic! Don't get me started on the dj who knew how to cue up music to compliment poems as though it was all rehearsed. So, next second Sunday of the month mark it on your calendar: Hot Butter with art, music, delectable vegetables, great people and poetry-poetry-poetry. |
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