I did a reading at Kafé Kerouac this past Friday. It was my first in Columbus, Ohio and I think I found out a lot about myself as a writer. My poetry seemed to come off a bit different than most. I wasn't very funny or serious. My pieces were shorter and more observational. But I felt the audience enjoyed them. The event was after all to help the local poetry team travel to North Carolina.
Aside from that, the location was beautiful. They sold books, records and coffee drinks named after various writers. I got one called a J.R.R. Tolkien. It had mint, cinnamon and hazelnut. They also serve ones named after Vonnegut, Joyce, Dahl and of course Kerouac.
The other poets were fabulous. One named Ed Plunkett was utterly hillarious while at the same time incredibly inciteful. He regailed us with a piece describing his attempts to catch a foul ball, frequently repeating the refrain I am foul ball bitter. Alexis Mitchell was also fabulous. Her passion and reflection on her life's journey left me breathless several times.
So, if you're ever in the area, stop by. I know I'll be reading there again soon.
Proud of you Ben! Would be really hard for me to read my poetry out loud and TO someone. Yikes! I would go listen, if it weren't for those damn states in between us :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Annie. I bet you'd read incredibly. You have so much feeling in your writings.
DeleteCongrats, and keep it up.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jack :)
Deletei was just passing through, thought i'd
ReplyDeleteleave a comment.
i enjoyed your posting. made me curious
about your writing. i think i'll roam
around until i find a poem. :)
You shan't roam far ;)
DeleteThanks for stopping by.
I would love to go to an event like this sometime! I don't think there are any of these in my neck of the woods but I think they are a good way of exhibiting talented poets. Sounds as if it was a success sir.
ReplyDeleteI had to drive outside my woods about 40 miles ;)
DeleteReading aloud is so scary. I'm glad you got the opportunity to test yourself. :-)
ReplyDeleteI like the literary coffees. That sounds so cool.
You should come visit Ohio :)
Deletefor some reason blogger keeps deciding that I am not following you...kinda frustrating because then I don't get to see your posts...like the last four!
ReplyDeletenice block poem, short story three parter, mothers day nod to your lady, and post about your reading!
seems like a real groovy place.
ReplyDelete