A couple of years ago, I heard Richard Newman of River Styx read his poetry at a Writer's Guild meeting,and I thought, If that is poetry, then I can do it! And I did. I compressed lengthy prose and wrote some award-winning poetry. I'd always had a knack for writing rhyming, humorous poems, but the word poetry made me think of all those mind-boggling lines with layered meaning that gave me a brain ache. Although I enjoy St. Louis Writer's Guild Open Mike Nights,I never thought I'd attend a poetry reading. I attended one last night at Puddin' Head Books in Webster Groves headed up by Amanda Wells, Publisher of Literal Chaos, a local literary magazine. I even read my work after the featured readers. Bill and I had a great time and especially enjoyed Evan Copacetic Soul, an outstanding slam poet. I shall never nibble a Thin Mint Girl Scout cookie again without thinking of his hysterically funny routine. His other pieces were heart wrenching, and gut busting. A most enjoyable night.
Stepping out of a comfort zone is not easy; trying new literary things is challenging, but in order to grow, a writer must reach in all directions. Stretch yourself.
1 comment:
I wanted to attend that, but my professor was reading at Left Bank Books the same evening. There are never enough nights!
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