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March 18th, 2024

Yesterday some friends and I went to a poetry reading at a local queer cafe. It is one of those where anyone is welcome to come up and take a turn to read a poem they wrote or share a poem they liked. I did not prepare a poem. Most of my friends had been to one of these before, but this was my first time going, so I wasn’t totally sure what the vibes and flow would be like. I kinda wish I had a poem prepared anyways! Because once people started sharing poems, I really wanted to share one too!

There wasn’t a huge turnout, so that also helped me feel safe. There were at least a dozen, but no more than two dozen people. Most of the people there were friends or people I have met previously from other events at this cafe. One thing I thought was really nice was the cafe supplies ear plugs during events if people need them! I always have my noise cancelling headphones with me, but it is nice that there are there in case I forget!

Since it was St Patrick’s Day, the theme for the night was luck, but really you could read any poem you wanted. The first was an older person who did write a poem following the theme, though! They shared a poem about missing being nearly shot by a stay hunter’s bullet, and several drawings and giveaways they had entered “just because” and ended up winning. A fun poem to start the night!

One of my friends presented several of their poems. Their poetry uses a lot of metaphors and symbolism. It sounds fun out loud, but it doesn’t make much sense to me. I want to ask them sometime to send me some of their poems so I can read and think about them. I am so happy to see my friend writing poetry again. I sent them a queer writing publisher that was looking for submissions, and it was good timing because they said they were looking into maybe submitting their work again. I am excited for them! I hope it works out :]

There was a published poet there, he went up and read a couple poems from other, well known poets, but unfortunately I don’t remember who. One was a more comedic poem that my gf recognized and enjoyed. I have auditory processing issues, so after I while of him reading I kinda lost sense of the word and just listened to the rhythm and flow. He mentioned he does audiobook recordings and it showed in his voice. Somehow, even though it was obvious he was a professional, I don’t think it made me feel any sort of performance anxiety. I still really wanted to present a poem. (if I had one!!)

There was someone who read a few poems they had written about their late mother. They looked a little younger than me. The poems were hard to listen to. It was obvious they had a complex relationship with her. I put my head down. I didn’t want my friends to see the tears in my eyes.

There were a couple other people and a couple other poems, but this was what stood out to me I think. There isn’t another poetry reading on the calender yet, but I think I would go to the next one if my schedule allows! Maybe I will even prepare a poem. I have been experimenting with writing and other creative mediums to help explore my emotions. I don’t intend to make it a big deal, but I think writing the occasional poem or two would be good for me.

I did write a poem later last year that I wouldn’t mind rewriting and sharing. It is really personal and makes me feel a bit vulnerable, but I think many people shared some vulnerable poems last night. I think I would be in safe company to do so. But maybe for next time I can write a for fun type poem or find a poem that really speaks to me to read.

If you write poetry, read poetry, or have a favorite poem, you should totally share with me below. :3