Laura Taylor

Before and After

by Laura Taylor

Wednesday 19th February 2014 4:23 pm

Spots. Blind.

Stage high.

Steps to side.

Remember that.

Mic low, must adjust.

Swivel up, screw, twist?

20 steps to public eyes.

Will they listen will they like will they heckle will I die?

Will I fly fall trip cry choke spit cough?

Stammer stutter wobble sweat tic burp boff?

Extraordinarily urinarily anxious.

A pint to pass the time,

ease the Gobi of a gob.

Drag smoke.

Frog in throat:

fuuu koff koff.

Shit. The set.

Shallow wank!

Who the fuck do I think I am?!

Emo-nammeled hollow toss.

Too late to change

the content.

Fuck!

The fear

provokes the nicotine.

Frog in throat:

fuuu koff koff!

Lungs tight;

blinding light;

my name;

CLAP

off

That was quick.

I finished it?!

Breeaathe!

Lungs release

Ahhhh

Not shit!

They shout, smile,

clap, loud, beam of light

surrounds the steps.

Down now, come to ground.

Bladder back to normal size.

Legal high!

Back slap, fist bump, bear hug, hands pump.

Glad you liked!

Glad you smiled!

Nervous? Me?

Nahhhh.

performance poetry

◄ Judging Justin

The Bitter Skald ►

Comments

Candice Reineke

Wed 2nd Jul 2014 15:01

Awe thanks for sharing. This reminds me of my improv theater days. Very few things more nerve-racking, nothing more thrilling :)

Jeff Dawson

Sat 5th Apr 2014 08:50

Brilliant, we've all been there but you summed it up perfect! :-)

Karin

Sat 22nd Feb 2014 16:42

A very clever, transparent poem and I really like your playfulness with words and sentences.

Chris Co

Sat 22nd Feb 2014 10:52

The self awareness and paradox of confidence and vulnerability is what has allowed you to write the poem.

No vulnerability - no vital insight.

No confidence - no ability to see the strength of vulnerability.

The poem links the personal to the universal and vice versa, something that usually and has brought about a real interest and connection.

The pacing of the language is very good, but in a sense I only know this, because I can picture you performing it and hear your voice as I read it.

One that would definitely benefit from an accompanying audio/ aural performance to open it up and show everyone the rhythm that exists in this. Somehow I feel that is more than the grammar or layout alone would allows for...if you catch my drift. Some poems can do that, be a little more than the page alone allows for.

Enjoyable

Best of

Laura Taylor

Thu 20th Feb 2014 09:29

Aww, thanks everyone :) That awful feeling of waiting to go on, urgh. It used to last the whole day for me, but I've got it down to about 30 minutes beforehand now ha. And then it hits!

Glad it's not just me then ;p

Big up to Steve for the pre-gig chat that inspired this piece! Cheers fella! :D

Julian (Admin)

Thu 20th Feb 2014 09:06

Now that's writing! Best line is as Dave says. Yet, Laura, you know who you are and what you stand for (and what you don't). And you have created for yourself a means of standing for it. Keep doing it and inspiring others. Yes, you do!

Harry O'Neill

Wed 19th Feb 2014 22:28

Following Dave, the physicality of this makes me
aware of how-in times of crisis- the connection
of flesh and spirit is indissoluble. And also
admire the self-awareness and overcome panic of
that `Who the fuck do I think I am` It`s an
excellent example of how a human being actually
operates.

Pete Slater

Wed 19th Feb 2014 18:38

"Extraordinarily urinarily anxious."
Now THAT'S a line. Fantastic Laura. :)

steve pottinger

Wed 19th Feb 2014 17:55

I absolutely love this. Makes me smile in recognition! Bloody brilliant.

Dave Bradley

Wed 19th Feb 2014 17:07

I've read a few poems about the open mic experience, but this is the best. The form and structure picks out nicely all those little physical things which looms so large, then right in the middle - "Who the fuck do I think I am", which nails it.

If you wish to post a comment you must login.

Please consider supporting us

Donations from our supporters are essential to keep Write Out Loud going

Bringing poetry to people

Click here to donate now