Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Tiffany. .. and my first spoken word reading



I'm not sure how people get anything done once they start writing. Yesterday, I wrote six poems throughout the day and let my students know that this is probably why their papers haven't been graded, but I'm not sure what to do about it.

I've been waking up everyday with a poem or two on my heart for the last two weeks. And, I will mention that I'm working on four major art projects right now as well, still learning the guitar, and not getting much sleep.

I have a poem that exemplifies how I feel at the moment (this is certainly a sneak peek for this week's Broad St. Mic and a preview of this coming Monday's Mansion 462 Mic):

famous

I like being famous
staying up all night 
is so much better for creativity

I like being famous
I change my hairstyle
once per week so I can stay
in obscurity

I like being famous
because I don't have to see
the same people everyday
I have lots of stuff to give away

I have people to drive
people to keep my plants alive
people take seriously what I say

I have lots of friends but my
phone never rings
people are afraid to call

I like being famous
I can't have pets
I'm never home to take care of them

I never have time to create anymore
And every time I leave my house
paparazzi are at the door

I like being famous
Maybe being famous isn't all it's cracked up to be,
but I must admit I sure
enjoy the money.

Onto the title of my post: Tiffany is phenomenal! I just linked her blog to mine on the right, so check it out!

Two years ago, she came to speak to students in all of my classes and had many poetry prompts ready for them. She inspired me with her teaching techniques, and she shared poetry and prompts for the entire hour and a half of all of my classes. She is ONLY a senior in college at this point (almost done!), so imagine how good she was last night when she was the featured poet. You all have no idea. My favorites were her Ode to Food and a poem, which was probably titled "Five More Minutes" about how she wishes she could sleep a little more (those words were certainly resounding in my head this morning). I was so blown away by her poetry that the one picture I got with her was quite dark, so that's why I included two artsy PICTURES of my experience. The first is of me writing - my journal really looks like this. All of my poems start this way. Second is a shot of a doorway in my apartment: On the left is a card Sarah gave me not long ago as a housewarming gift - it has a woman on it and says "You're fab!," which is always a great reminder. Beside that is a picture Tiffany and I took together several years ago (probably like 5) at a Valentine's Ball. We are holding a sign that says, "Happy Valentine's Day." It was the first time I met her and a good reminder to be joyful on that day no matter what's going on.

The Mansion is a unique spot. Poets of many ethnicities are there; many, many people have dreadlocks (and I got lots of compliments on mine), and the talent of the readers is so beyond mine at this point that I left feeling really inspired as hearing word always makes me feel. 

I will certainly be back next Monday.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

I cannot begin to tell you how inspired and jealous I am. You are having almost too much fun. If there were a Fun Police, you would be in big trouble.

"Famous" is great! I like the humor that you weave in--you have a great sense of humor, to state the obvious. You are so telling the truth. I LOVE being famous!

I’m really inspired to make more time for things I like as well, and to continue to just soak up life for all it's worth. Thanks Nicole.

Anonymous said...

tear. love u nicole!