After my poetry performance on Sunday evening at the Spoken Word Plot, people I didn’t know came up to me and thanked me.
Back in high school, we were assigned personal journals for drama class. I loved writing them because back then, like now, I was very analytical and enjoyed contemplation in isolation. One of my favourite comments from my teacher was: “Very honest. Thank you.” I took that as a compliment.
Those who have attended my poetry performances know that while my writing is undeniably personal and that I occasionally (understatement of the year) talk about my sex life, there is nothing that is written for shock value, nothing that would be considered “over share” or “too much information”, and nothing that is not completely accessible to the majority of adult audiences. Heck, I would be comfortable having my mother in the audience.
I’m just sharing my stories. And some people want to hear them. So that’s why I do it.
It’s impossible to describe exactly what happened Sunday night (though you could see Andrew Snowdon’s review on Ottawa Tonite for a pretty decent description AND video); even I’m not quite sure what happened. All I know is that I was onstage with my dear friend Nadine — who, by the way, was wearing an incredibly sexy purple dress — and it was magnificent. I have never seen her so vibrant, so full of feeling. Her poetry is heartfelt and it is very funny. I think we made a good team. Lauryn, Michelle, and Shu were fantastic on the open mic. And I loved watching people in the audience. I could see Danielle completely engaged in the performance, nodding her head whenever she felt she could relate to what was being said. I watched my new friend Stephanie in the front row, her eyes widening occasionally, and breaking into fits of laughter at the appropriate moments. Paul and Jesse were taking wonderful photos. Nadine’s devoted husband Phil was holding the video camera. Then there was Alix, my drama teacher from when I was only ten years old, smiling encouragingly. And near her were Jan and Jennifer, a couple of professional storytellers that I have adored from a young age.
I guess all I want to say is that I am very grateful. People that I admire actually took the time to come to my show. And then they actually took the time to tell me how it affected them. That means so so much to me, and I hope they know that.
On a related note…
On Thursday I am leaving on a two-week trip for the United Kingdom to figure things out for next year. I expect these next fourteen days to be life-changing, and I have never been so excited. There is the potential for romance, adventure, and new beginnings. I am 23 years old and I have so much more to experience. Let it begin.
Being unable to come to the show on Sunday was as disappointing to me as virtually any show I have ever been forced to miss… and I go to a lot of poetry shows…
That means a lot, Rusty. Thank you.
And your comment has reminded me: Nadine and I will be performing together again on Sunday, May 2 at the Dusty Owl Reading Series. Details to come!
Excellent news! I was hoping to hear this wouldn’t be a one-off thing!
It was supposed to be just me at Dusty Owl. But I enjoyed performing with Nadine so much that I thought we should take advantage of this opportunity.
Jessica,
You never cease to amaze people (and me!) with your talent, your words and your ability to touch people with even just one story. Sunday was just one of those fine examples of your work and it resonated with the audience.
Having known you for over five years, I’ve seen you blossom into a beautiful woman with a heck of a lot of courage, confidence, sass and love for just about everyone around you.
I’m so honoured to have you in my life and to call you a good friend.
XO.
Laur
Oh Lauryn. What else can I say but thank you a million times and return the compliment. You are a confident, cultured, and passionate woman. I’m glad we’ve become better friends over the last year. Here’s to the next five :)
Jessica, I pray you understand how much I adore you. Admire you, respect you, sometimes envy you and love you.
I hope these next two weeks are life-changing, in the ways you expect and ways you don’t. And I am terribly conflicted. My inner visionary wants you to take on the world. I want you to dream big, love hard and find everything you desire. But my selfish, little heart just wants you to stay here, where we can confide and eat pie into the wee and do poetry together forever.
xoxo
Think about it, Nadine. If I end up in Europe somewhere, our poetry touring opportunities will be that much more numerous. We will take on the world together, and it will be marvelous. Love you always.
(This is becoming a really sappy blog entry, but I don’t care!)
It’s not sappy. It’s very honest.
Same difference :)
Jess..I echo Ned in saying may the two weeks be life changing, full of love, happiness and adventures that will fill many many journals …thank you for sharing your stories with us.
xo
Shu
Gosh, no, Shu, not MORE journals. I already have them piled high in my bedroom at my parents’ house. I’m just waiting for the day that they go through and read them and discover all my adolescent musings. Talk about embarrassing. Most of my writing these days is confined to the computer screen — not that that’s much safer.
Thanks for your well wishes. You are wonderful.