The Strongest Influences are Unintentional

Just got back from my first poetry reading at open mic night and I had a great time.

I was running late because I had gotten a great idea for bringing this draft together and I stayed up all the way until 9:00 a.m. today writing and editing. Then I fell asleep around 10:00 a.m. and slept until 3:30p.m. I commute about an hour to the coffee place and needed to pick up my bestie so I got ready as quick as I could and took off like roadrunner.

I did not have time to get nervous before, because I was rushing, but then we turned the corner to the coffee shop parking lot and my hands all of a sudden began to shake and I went goosebumpy everywhere and my heart bounced up into my throat. Writing my name on the list, I thought my veins were rushing waaaay too fast to be healthy. Then I ran back to the car and did a run through of my poems, put on my make up, and calmed down. My great crowd of friends kept me calm until it was my turn.

I felt so loved because I had the sweetest and most supportive crowd show up to watch me. My amazing best friend from freshman year, my AP English teacher, ex Assistant Principal, my boss, and my friend and fellow poet, my sister even sent her guy to get some video for her. I read, “Mrs. Wilcox at age 90,” “Slow Dance,” “Top 40 Fed,” & “Compost.” The reception went well and I was amazed how quiet it got while I read. It was empowering; I cannot wait until I get to perform again. My sister got video so hopefully I will get a chance to post it within the next few days.

My coworker, who also read tonight, had the great idea to try to organize a poetry reading at Andrea Kristina’s sometime. I think that would be a great experience. We both enjoy listening to poetry and there are not too many events where one can go and listen to a diverse amount of poets, at least not too many that I have heard about. We are not professionals, but still, many of the poems I have heard from others are honest and that makes it worthwhile to listen.

There are times when authors come and read, but I think that organizing something where amateur poets and writers can come will be good. Part of learning to do something is to share it with others and to interact with people with the same interests. In this last year I have began to forge relationships with others who share my love of writing and it helps me to improve. Other writers understand the drive and emotion behind writing and the struggles that occur between drafts. I like that.

Plus, in actually getting more involved in the community, we can influence others. Tonight I felt so happy when my teacher told me I had inspired her to begin writing her poetry again. My best friend has not been writing too much poetry since high school, but she too wants to begin again. This feeds into my theory that the strongest influences are unintentional.