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Sunday, April 13, 2008

I Read, Therefore I Am

I’ve been writing poetry since I was a young teen - nearly four decades! Several years ago, I had a poem published in our local paper and most recently, one published in a book. I have read my poems aloud on a couple of occasions to very small groups of folks that I was acquainted with. I have even identified myself as a poet. But it wasn’t until this morning, that I actually felt I truly am a poet.

Today’s poetry reading in support of the book was an unqualified success. My editor coordinated and led the event. The three dozen or so people who gathered in the social hall of a classic New England church were warm, welcoming and appreciative - nary a heckler among them! Chuck literally and figuratively had my back as he sat directly behind me. I was happy that I wasn’t feeling particularly nervous about the reading. I was more nervous about the small talk I needed to make with strangers before things got underway!

I read third, which was just about perfect. I had the chance to see and hear two other poets first, but I didn’t have to wait so long that I could have grown more anxious. I believe I set my voice to the correct volume and spoke to the folks in the back. I believe I looked up several times throughout my reading. Chuck reports that I did well and that my hands and book did not tremble as I stood before the audience. Chuck also said that there was audible murmuring at the end of my poem, followed by generous applause. I sort of, almost, kind of remember being able to hear the applause and smiling in response as I took my seat! I also was able to really listen to and enjoy all the poems which were read this morning.

Throughout the rest of the day, Chuck turned to me and pretended to speak to an imaginary stranger saying: “Why yes, that is my wife Lee, The Poet! Yes, she is available for readings!” How cute is he? Pretty darn cute, I’ll tell ya!

15 comments:

Ms Brown Mouse said...

cuter than a box of kittens :)

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry, Lee is my sister, but there is NOTHING cuter than a box of kittens!!!

Having said that, I am very proud of you and glad it is behind you. You can now wallow in the glory of being the first in the family to read her poetry, or even a laundry list, aloud.

Gail

Claudia Snell said...

congrats on the great reading! (and on having such a great guy!)

purpleronnie said...

Well done Lee! I am beaming with pride. Maybe you should do an audio clip so we can all hear your reading and applaud you!
And as for Mr Chuck, well! He is sooooo cute! What a guy!
xxx

ps Gail, there is one thing cuter than a box of kittens - a box of puppies!!

Anonymous said...

let's get a mixed box, kittens, puppies and bebe bunnies - that would be about as cute as I could handle.

Pink Granite said...

Hey All -
You rock!
Thank you for your enthusiastic responses, support and agreement that Chuck is cute as a button!!!

As for the whole kitten/puppy debate, since DancingMorganMouse started this, let's allow her to finish it! Mixed box of kittens, puppies and baby bunnies it is! But do beware - cuteness overload is imminent!
Thanks again!
<);o)
- Lee

purpleronnie said...

Well now you know that we have to get Chuck in that box too otherwise it just wouldn't be complete!!

Roo said...

Hey hey - leaping late (as usual)on to the congratulations, well done you. I shall have to polish up on my social skills, especially as I know 3 published - no, now 4 published authors!

I shall refrain from commenting however on how cute Chuck is, and take your word for it (no offence Chuck)

In the meantime, I am working on my Matsre plan so see Seattle, and/or New England.

Well done again ;o)

Roo said...

that should read "Master plan" - hey ho

barbie2be said...

yay for you! that's awesome!

Pink Granite said...

Hi Ronnie -
Thanks for remembering that Chuck's cuteness is where all this started! We all sure did go off on quite a tangent!
;o)
- Lee

Hi Roo -
Thanks for the congratulations! I'm happy to be counted among your published friends!
If you choose Seattle we'll rendezvous via jetBlue!
;o)
- Lee

Hi B2B -
Thank you so much! I remain tickled pink!
;o)
- Lee

Sue said...

And I bet he thought you were pretty damned fantastic too. Sorry I'm so late in commenting, but I just haven't had time to blog in the last few days. Well done though! I'm thrilled for you, although I'm sure you're glad the job's done. Now, you just have to publish the poem on your blog so we can all enjoy it!!

XXX

Pink Granite said...

Thanks Sue!
Chuck is awfully proud and that thrills me no end!
I'm thinking of submitting the poem to a journal which accepts previously published work. If that doesn't pan out, up on the blog it goes!!!
I'd also love to do what Ronnie suggested: record my reading it and upload that audio. Need to figure out how to do that too!
;o)
- Lee

Anonymous said...

WOOHOO I didn't know that you were reading your poem! Congratulations..nothing worse than stage fright for me..Good for you!!!! Carrie

Pink Granite said...

Thanks so much Carrie!
But the great difference between my reading one of my poems and you playing the violin, is that after I read, I get to sit back down in the audience. You are on stage performing for the entire concert!!!
;o)
- A.L.