Reading poetry from the page is delightful,
but the thing about poetry of the spoken word,
it’s not meant to be read in the hush of a library
it’s supposed to be performed and to be heard.
Like the difference between Rugby League and Union,
they’re the same game but with different codes,
with the spoken word and performance poetry
you’re in the spotlight when you read out your odes.
It’s one thing to dedicate time for my poems
and to work on writing these rhymes
but another matter to stand up on this stage
all alone and reciting these lines.
I arrived at the venue clutching my poems,
and when the time came for me to read
I felt the panic kick in and I started to shake
I just wanted stand up and leave.
I reluctantly headed to the stage
wanting to be back at home reading my books,
but when I was done and everyone clapped
that was it, I was in, I was hooked.
I enjoy reading and writing these poems
but never used to read them out-loud
but ever since I discovered open-mic nights,
I love to perform to a crowd.
Spoken word is the modern way to do it,
we’ve moved on from the poets of history
performance poetry is like takeaway pizza,
it’s all about the delivery.