I’ve never participated in a poetry reading before. Even though I’ve sung in front of audiences in my youth, the thought of sharing my original poetry in person immediately starts the internal flapping of butterfly wings. Sharing behind a screen isn’t so scary.
Well, a friend of mine heard of a local poetry night taking place last week, so she encouraged me to sign up. Her exact words, “You should do it!” So I did, but not without jumpy nerves.
There were 27 poets, different ages, even some young voices which was fabulous. I prayed that I wouldn’t be the last reader because we all know the effects of anticipation. Instead, I was second to read, which was a little nerve-racking in itself, but at least it was over fast. According to my friend, I did great. And even in my mind, I thought I had done well, maybe not stellar, but well enough for the first time. I didn’t trip over any words. I didn’t sneeze or fall into a coughing fit. I stayed focused, and afterwards, I received some “Beautifuls”, which I believe is music to any artist’s ears.
Irregardless, I’m glad I finally did this, another box checked off the list. Listening to the others read their original poems or poems written by another author was also wonderful. This event turned out to be an enlightening experience.
Now, for the sake of trying something fun and different, I’m sharing an audio of the poem I read that I recently recorded. I’ve posted “Castanets” before, but I’ve made small revisions since then.
I also can’t help wonder if most people think their voices sound strange when they hear them recorded. I know I do. Nonetheless, here goes…
Castanets
Stepping outside, I stroll down the
quiet road with my lab on my left,
his gait as graceful as a galloping horse
in slow motion.
Squirrels raise their sleepy heads
because of the early hour.
The sky appears to be coal black,
but when I turn the corner, watermelon pinks,
corals, and lemon yellows take center stage.
My camera doesn’t do justice.
Then I recall my son saying, “Enjoy the moment.”
I slip that device back in my pocket.
To my right, salmon-colored roses
flaunt their fragrance and I am intoxicated.
Passing orange poppies,
their stems flutter with excitement,
eager for the sun’s ascent, and in the distance,
silence sings its serene ballad.
As the tempo of our pace speeds up,
a breeze joins us,
and the leaves on the trees lining the lane
sway in rhythm as though dancing a waltz.
Jowls flap, he smiles with brown nose
set in overdrive. The sun’s gentle touch
adds a glimmer to his copper coat.
I pause, bending down to his level,
fingers stroke shiny, silky fur,
his eyes close, contented from contact.
When we move again, his nails on the asphalt
mimic the clicking of two sets of castanets,
and in seconds, I realize these observations
are what life is all about…
seeing…feeling…smelling…listening…
being.
I hope you enjoyed…
Lauren Scott (c) ❤️
Baydreamer ~ Lauren Scott 
Hi Lauren – good for you! I’m sure you did great and you sound great – and yes, I think my own voice is squeaky and weak, but you know, others don’t judge as harshly as we judge ourselves. I love your poem – have I seen it before on an earlier post? I like how your son tells you to just enjoy the moment. Sage advice!
Thanks, Barbara, and I’m sure you’re right about us being our worst critics. It’s so easy to analyze. 🙂 Thanks about the poem, too. I posted it last November, but I don’t know if you saw it. Since then, I’ve revised it. And yes, enjoy the moment! 🥰
Lovely Lauren! Congratulations, I am so happy for you! I can relate to those feelings. Keep going my friend.
Thanks, Balroop! It’s definitely a feeling of accomplishment and I’m glad you understand how I felt. 💗
Just like your friend, I would also say “You did great”
Thanks so much, Ritish! I appreciate your kind words and visit.
🙌 Have a wonderful week
You, too!
Just like your friend, I would also say “you did great” 👏
Congratulations, Lauren and you sounded very nice. Such a lovely poem.
Thanks, Kamal! I appreciate your lovely words about the recording and poem. It’s fun to try something different, especially when the tech part works effortlessly. 🙂 Have a beautiful day. 💞
Yes of course it sure is Lauren. Must try new things. Always welcome dear. Have a wonderful week ahead 💘😊
HI Lauren, Congratulations on doing this reading. You did a wonderful job and I really enjoyed hearing your voice and listening to you read this poem.
Thanks, Robbie. I’m glad my nerves didn’t win. 🙂 I appreciate your kind words and I’m glad you enjoyed listening to me read my poem. It’s fun to try something new. ❤️
It is, I am trying a new art project and it is a good challenge.
That’s great, Robbie, although I don’t know where you find the time. Your plate seems overflowing. I challenged myself to painting the interior of our house, and I just finished this weekend. Painting is calming to me, except for the preparation. So, what’s next? I have no idea. 🙂
That is lovely, I can imagine that sort of painting is calming. I like to cook and bake for that reason.
I love to bake, too, Robbie, but I’m kind of tired of cooking. 🙂
Good for you! I have a hard time speaking in front of strangers (even in my Zoom writing class). I have no idea why; I’m perfectly comfortable talking face-to-face. I admire that you did it despite your butterflies. And, yes, we all think our actual voices sound odd.
Thanks, Janis. I’m glad you understand how I felt regarding the nerves and also our own voices recorded. 🙂
Excellent poem read with feeling. What a good idea to share the audio with us all.
Ahh, thanks very much for your wonderful words, Ian. It’s fun to try something different for a change. I’m so glad you enjoyed!
Ah, Lauren, I remember this poem fondly and I just ‘rediscovered’ and enjoyed it anew listening to your lovely voice reciting it! And again… ah those sweet castanets! 😉
Thanks so much, Marina! After feeling like I did well enough at the poetry reading, I thought it would be fun to record. I’m so glad you liked it, and I’m sure you can relate to this lovely walk when you’re out with beautiful Hera. Hugs and Happy Monday, my friend. xoxoxo
I really enjoyed listening, Lauren! Tail wags from Hera to Copper!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
❤️🐶❤️🐶
🐾😌
I enjoyed the prose and listening to you Lauren. And I agree, I do not enjoy listening to my voice either, lol. Loved it!
Which platform did you do the recording on? ❤
Thanks, Debby! I’m so glad you enjoyed. After the poetry reading, I thought it would be fun to record. I used voice memo on my iPhone then airdropped it on my mac. Simple. 🙂 ❤️
Wow, so easy! Thanks Lauren ❤
I did enjoy.. So very much Lauren, and Well done to you, in your first of many to come I am sure poetry sessions of standing up to read..
And Copper your walking partner.. Another Joy to behold..
Much love dear Lauren… Here’s to the NEW Beginnings of stepping out of our comfort zones and trying something different.. 🙂 ❤
Thanks so much, Sue. I enjoyed the poetry reading and am glad I didn’t let my nerves win! I’ve wanted to record a poem for a long time, but just never did it. So, that was fun for a change. I appreciate your wonderful words, dear friend, and Copper does, too. 🙂 Much love back to you! ❤️🥰
Wonderful you rose to the challenge Lauren… and funny you said record.. As recording some of my poetry has crossed my own mind recently… Must be in the Air! 🙂 LOL… Much love
Or maybe great minds think alike. 🥰 xo
I’m glad your friend said, “You should do it.” And you did. How fun to have 27 poets reading their poetry! I’m in a poetry group with about 20 people but we haven’t met in person since Covid. We met for two hours. The first hour we read poems from other poets and the second hour we read our own. 🙂
I’m glad I did it too, Miriam. It was a great experience, which is what inspired me to record the poem and share on this platform. It’s always fulfilling to step out of our comfort zone. 🥰
My voice sounds strange when listening to it recorded, I think most people think their own voice is strange. Your recording was peacful and your descriptiveness transporting. I was wisped away for a brief moment. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for your kind comment, Steven. I’m so glad you enjoyed my reading and poem.
I think you did great. Your voice sounds different I think because of the way it reverberates withing your skull when you’re talking, and it doesn’t do that when you listen to a recording of it.
Thanks, Binky, and your thoughts sound logical. 🙂 I assume most think their voices sound different when recorded.
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I enjoyed your poem, Lauren and hearing your lovely voice. It’s brilliant that you gathered the courage to do this. ❤ xXx with hugs. ❤
I’m so glad you enjoyed this, Jane, and I appreciate your lovely words. I’m also glad I did this because maybe next time I won’t be so nervous. 🙂 Recording is something new and fun, too. Hope all is well, dear friend. Hugs to you! 💗💗💗