Baring one's soul/sharing poetry...one and the same? (June 4, 2010)

I can’t believe it’s been so long since I’ve blogged. I have major catching up to do. Stay tuned for that post. So I’ve been going to my fave poetry spot for a while now. It’s one of the most therapeutic places in the world. I truly believe that art has the power to heal. I think it must be cathartic in some way to put pen to paper and get your inner thoughts out. To take it one step further and do spoken word is amazing. I was thinking about how people get the courage to stand up and share very personal pieces with people that they don’t even know, and may never see again. People who may embrace your work, and “get you” on the deepest level, or people who may have no idea of what the heck you’re talking about. how do you get past the worry/fear that your work wont be received well? Part of what keeps me coming back is that I can relate to so much of what other people have to say. I share in the collective joy, pain, excitement…whatever emotion one could feel. I am truly grateful that artists have the courage to do what they do. Many a night I leave feeling as though someone understands me, and I am not alone in the world. It’s one of the greatest feelings ever.

Cassie’s hope for me is that one day I can share my poetry and know that it will help someone, and that will be a time when the past (what I wrote about) can no longer hurt me. My boyfriend, wonderful man that he is, is encouraging me in this area as well. I’m not sure how I feel about this. I’ve never been the most courageous person, though my family may tell you different. Moving to another city/trying new restaurants and baring my soul while reading very personal stuff are two different things! What if they don’t like it? What if they are talking and texting during your passionate delivery? I am mortified! Until I am able to read my poetry with no expectations from the crowd, they will stay in my world, private admit only. Maybe one day I will get the courage to go through with it. Maybe. But until then, I will remain the appreciative listen, glad you had the courage to share your inner thoughts with me. Thank you for showing me the way.

Just thoughts…feel free to share yours and let me know how spoken word has affected your life, and if you spit, how you get the courage to bare your soul in front of strangers, night after night. Thanks:-)