Doing What I Do

I know they are not often shared here with you good people, but I write a lot of poems.  People will sometimes ask me what kind of poems I write, and this is always a difficult question to answer.  I write funny poems, love poems, introspective personal poems, but that's not all.  I don't write a lot of poems about political issues.  Believe it or not, I don't [yet] write a lot of poems about diabetes.

As much as I love writing, I also love performing.  It feels like it's something that is wired into me.  Before I get onstage, I may be somewhat nervous, but once I'm out there, it's exhilarating. 

There aren't a lot of videos out there of me competing in poetry slams, and there are even fewer videos of any other public speaking or performance I've done. 

But here's a photo.

Thanks to the lovely Sara Eve who posted this on Facebook. :)

I competed in a poetry slam in Jersey City, NJ over the weekend.  At first, I was a bit hesitant to go.  That's one of the things I hate the most about depression.  Sometimes it whispers in your ear and tells you you're not so great at the things you love to do.  Maybe you should just stay home.

I'm glad I told that voice in my head to take a hike this weekend.  I had a great time at the slam, even if I did go over the alotted time.  I netted myself a penalty, but I put in a great performance.  Team Philly came in 3rd out of 4 competing teams, but it wasn't for lack of trying.  I blame the East German judge.