The Reading

Tom Dylan


Notice of absence from Tom Dylan
Sorry if there is a delay in responses. Sometimes life gets in the way. As John Lennon said, life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans.

Every time I do it

the nerves gnaw at my stomach,

tired from the disturbed sleep

of the night before,

I have been practising my poems

every night this week,

but still there’s the dread

that I will mess this up,

that the words will stick

in my throat,

that either my poem

or myself will fall flat,

excitement mixes with anxiety,

as I buckle myself in to the fairground ride,

and my name is called,

Next up we have….

and so clutching my papers

I step out onto that stage

and into the bright white glow

of the spotlight.

  • Author: Tom Dylan (Offline Offline)
  • Published: October 3rd, 2024 08:59
  • Comment from author about the poem: I regularly read at my local spoken word evening, but the nerves are always there.
  • Category: Unclassified
  • Views: 246
  • Users favorite of this poem: Cheeky Missy, Thomas W Case, Qurrathul Ain, jarcher54, Greta
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Comments +

Comments8

  • Cheeky Missy

    Well, you're far better than I. In addition to the bits posted on YouTube, I've participated in such events enough times to know I don't think it's worth the adventure, not for me. Excellently poignant with delightful winsomeness, rendered to effect so beautifully with tasteful details. Thank you so very much for sharing.

    • Tom Dylan

      The group is really welcoming thankfully so it is only my own nerves I need to conquer. And once I have had my turn I can relax and enjoy the rest of the evening. 🙂 Thanks so much for your comments as always. Really appreciated.

    • orchidee

      But you're not here? October?! heehee.

      • Tom Dylan

        I go away at weekend for two weeks. Off to get a bit of sun. I'll be trying to show off my tan in a poem after the 22nd! 🙂

      • Dan Williams

        The acid test for my poems is to have someone read them out load. I choke in front of an audience.

        • Tom Dylan

          My poems always go down well. I try to pick the more amusing and entertaining pieces. Thanks for your comments, Dan.

        • Goldfinch60

          Keep on reading Tom, those nerves show that you care.

          Andy

          • Tom Dylan

            Thanks a lot, Andy. Really appreciate your comments. Catch you in two weeks when I'm back from my hols. Cheers, Tom.

          • Thomas W Case

            Superb. I've done it many times and I was always nervous. You capture the feeling and scene well.

            • Tom Dylan

              Thanks a lot, Thomas. Really appreciated.

            • jarcher54

              Poems about poetry are always interesting, but seldom profound. This one is just plain inspired and fun! But underneath the light narrative is a deep truth. Next!

              • Tom Dylan

                Thanks a lot for your comments. Really appreciated.

              • Neville



                I know exactly wot U mean Tom .. I've got a big un coming up soon .. N

                • Tom Dylan

                  Oh how exciting! Good luck with it, mate. Cheers, Tom.

                • sorenbarrett

                  A great write about fear of public speaking, stage fright, or what ever you call it. Most people have it but the more you know your subject the less there is. Soon the fear turns to excitement and serves as the fuel for performance. Nicely written it tells the story.

                  • Tom Dylan

                    Thanks a lot for your comments, Soren. Really Appreciated.



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