Performance Poems

[Séamus]

I have been working very hard on my performance stuff but still kinda mess up at times due to nerves and sometimes alcohol but I do have a couple of very strong pieces although I don't like to perform them all the time because most readings are all us regulars and you've all heard them so many times.

I do however have difficulty learning my stuff because I still tend to flit in and out of writing prose type stuff.

I have noticed the rest of you have been getting more rythmic, notably Gerard I hope this is at least a smiggen to do with the fact that my stuff is that way inclined, I firmly believe we all can learn and inspire one another.

I need to start working harder on having a more polished set and much longer.

[Marcus]

Last MYH was interesting for me. Seeing as I've been busy writing and editing the chapbook, I've been more inclined to focus on stuff for the page. However, when I got up to do 24DD, a definite "performance piece", I really got into it. The last few times I did it, I forgot the words, but when I was up there and got into the flow, it all came back. It was a little surreal.

Then again, I was sober for most of the night, so that may have been it.

[gerard]

Hey Seamus, you've hit on one of the strengths of a vibrant open mic scene. I've often came away with knew enthusiasm for writing and wanting to get my hands on a pen. I've always been very rhythmical and focused on rhythm because I tend to shun rhyme. At the mo I've just been concentrating on writing a new set because I was tired of reading the same stuff at the end of last year, though it was nice to read a few old ones last time and they felt fresher than when I decided to stop reading them in December.

I think Marcus has a got point about getting into the flow of a poem. Drink can fuck up a performance but a little can enhance it.