Last night at SPEAK

was lovely…

The theme of our little shindig was “forged”. What struck me about the poems that were read in connection to the theme was that most contained some kind of religious imagery (Pagan and Christian). Odd. I need to think about it more (especially since I was one of the crew who did that, with “Suicide Notes”).

I got a request to read “Do It Yourself” last night, from Melissa G. I always feel weird doing such signature pieces (it’s the piece I closed with at Urbana, for those of you reading this who were there that night) in front of the hometown crowd, as it were; prefer to do more esoteric stuff, or newer stuff I’m still working out the bugs on. I figure folks are tired of the obvious stuff. But I’m learning that the people who hear me all the time still want to hear that stuff now and again…plus it keeps you thinking about how the work stays alive for you, and how you can keep from dialing it in.

The feature, Marj Hahne, was a real revelation: stunning work, focused imagery, beautifully performed, and a genuinely nice person to boot. She has a CD I really can’t wait to hear. Book her if she comes your way.

She made a comment last night about trying not to speak unless she feels she can improve the silence. I know it’s a quote, but can’t recall who said it…at any rate, it’s a great thought.

Don’t you wish everybody thought that way?