Possible Candidates for Reading to a Crowd
"Possible candidates for reading to a crowd"
the subject line of the email to myself read.
You see, writing can be hard -
or writing can be easy.
But writing for a crowd you'll see is something else entirely.
I write fiction, always have.
For myself. For far-flung strangers,
likewise hiding behind pseudonyms and prone to be truly constructive for they truly understand.
I write for my sacred circle,
my no-good-sons-of-bitches
that I meet with to smoke cigarettes, drink whiskey, and
oh yes - discuss our work.
I write non-fiction, the web content stuff.
That's where the money is
The thousands-deep reach, the network the net-worth
I write for the glory and honor and fame!
but for the person who pays me to write under his name.
Trying on someone else's voice and spreading his or her message -
That? That's the easy stuff.
I write thoughts
And record experiences
I share too much about too little and too little about too much
I write to release what's trapped inside me
into a gilded cage
where it can be seen and remarked upon and maybe even learned from
But who wants to read a blog?
"Possible candidates for reading to a crowd"
the subject of the email draft to myself still reads.
Because writing can be hard,
but writing can be easy.
And writing for a crowd you'll actually see is something else entirely.
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Author's Note
I've been asked to read "something" at an event showcasing a more seasoned performing writer...but this is as far as I've gotten in the consideration process. I imagine some of you can relate?
Other stories by Emily Sparkles
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All true, altho I'll bet whomever your are showcasing will worry this upstages him/her. *
I think this is a good approach for a piece to read to a crowd, Emily. There's a bit of Billy Collins-sway to the phrasing and humor in the poem. I think it works.
If it were mine, I'd cut the final stanza and end the poem with the line "But who wants to read a blog?" - which is a good place to end the piece. Or, I'd cut the final three lines, beginning with Because writing can be hard... rethink a line or so to place there. I say add to because I don't think "the subject of the email draft to myself still reads." is the right line to end with. Something is needed if you want - and it can be a good idea to - connecting with line two of the poem - have "still reads," but that begs for just a bit more. For me the three lines presently closing the poem are as strong as the rest. And it's a good poem.
Forgive my rambling.
*
Thank you, Matthew and Sam, for the great feedback! Sam - you flatter me with the Collins comparison. I hear what you're saying about the last stanza. I'll be toying with that.
I'd love to hear this read aloud. So will your audience.*
Gary, I so appreciate your comment. Very encouraging!
Super fine line: "I share too much about too little and too little about too much," as is the rest of the piece. (Tho I tend to agree with striking the last stanza--nevertheless well done either way.).
I deleted the last stanza for the reading - solid advice and solid encouragement. Thanks, all!
I actually find reading to a crowd easy. I'm just not very good at it, because I can only relate with any feeling while reading to someone else's work. This is a lot better than the overly politicised rhythmless rapping that constitutes almost all spoken word poetry.
I appreciate your viewpoint and honesty and feedback. It was easier than I thought, which guarantees more years in my future if only the asks arrive :)