The Word That's Spoken

Tom Dylan

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.

  • Author: Tom Dylan (Offline Offline)
  • Published: June 13th, 2024 07:02
  • Category: Unclassified
  • Views: 16
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Comments6

  • Cassie58

    Great write Tom Dylan. Your lines flow so well. Open mic can be scary. Have done it myself, but not for a while. Takes guts to get up there. Well done.

    • Tom Dylan

      Thanks a lot for your comments, Cassie. Really appreciated. It's exciting and terrifying at the same time. 🙂

    • orchidee

      One thing is - hope all the other poets have interesting poems too. If not, you could doze off a while they waffle on interminably, until it's your turn! lol.
      I had experience of that - arggh! 'Here's Mr/Mrs X with another (brain-numbing) poem to fill a bit of spare time.' lol.

      • Tom Dylan

        Thanks for saying that, Orchi. Bless ya! 🙂 I do try and pick the more humorous / entertaining poems for that rather than some of my more random efforts. 🙂

        • orchidee

          We can pretend to like spoken poems, even if they are dull. We may just applaud in the group when everyone else does - if we've not nodded off! lol.
          It's like sermons maybe - it depends if they're interesting. If they are, we might listen for up to an hour or more. If not, it can seem like 10 hours of preaching.

          • 3 more comments

        • Thomas W Case

          Excellent. I have done it a lot. AND YOU RIGHT. It's nerve-wracking. Tremendous work.

          • Tom Dylan

            Thanks a lot for your comments, mate. Really appreciated. 🙂 Cheers, Tom.

          • Doggerel Dave

            As you have overcome stage fright, you are well on the way of following in the steps of your hero, Tom.

            • Tom Dylan

              Thanks a lot for that, Dave. John Cooper Clarke was the reason I got into poetry. I don't quite have his rapid-fire delivery. 🙂 Cheers, Tom.

            • Goldfinch60

              Good words Tom, |I have never been to an open mic night but I have read my poems to audiences over the years and it gives one a great thrill.

              Andy

              • Tom Dylan

                Thanks a lot for your comments, Andy. Really appreciated. Yes, it's terrifying but completely exhilarating! 🙂 Cheers, Tom.

              • 2781

                I often wonder how many millions of poems are out there, and how many are really read?
                Speaking them in public, at least someone might hear.
                Well done.

                • Tom Dylan

                  Thanks a lot for your comments. Really appreciated.



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