Listen
A voice carries, soft
as the words it holds,
edged when they demand.
You want to know more.
Look into the poet’s eyes,
and see the weight of the words?
Or look away, and feel them
float through you?
Listen, and you will know.
I attended the Open Mic Poetry Reading at Gumbo Bottoms Alehouse, last night.
(photo from Jan. 10 reading)
This poem is my response to Eyeing the Quadrille #147, the prompt from Björn at dVerse ~ Poets Pub, which is to use a form of the word eye in a 44-word poem (excluding title), with no required meter or rhyme.
rivrvlogr 
Love your poem! And I’m jealous of your in-person reading opportunity. Austin is down to Stage 2 (for now) so maybe some of former poetry venues will resurface. The house concert scene is creeping back … poetry should be close behind! [SOO thankful for WordPress even before COVID shut-downs, and it’s been a definite gift of connection these past couple of years.)
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Thank you, Jazz.
These monthly readings are organized by a local poet, Jon Freeland. I went to his book release and was hooked on the vibe with the poets there.
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Oh my … your quadrille is incredibly beautiful!!! I am certain it was well received …
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Thank you, Helen. It’s a nice group of people.
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A gift in all kinds of ways. Let’s hope we are past the worst of our disconnections. (K)
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It’s a slow process. Thank you, Kerfe.
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The words are precious to the poet.
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Yes. 🙂
Thank you.
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It’s unfortunate that more don’t listen. How lovely that you’re able to do and attend those readings, Ken!
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Thank you, Merril. They’re small gatherings, which is some consolation, considering Covid. As people become more comfortable going to something like this, hopefully that also will mean the risk is lower.
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It’s so hard to know what to do now.
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Agreed.
Currently, I’m usually the only one wearing a mask when shop for groceries.
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Same here.
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Wonderful Ken, in every sense.
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Thank you, Paul.
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Very welcome Ken
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Wowzers, Ken… that second stanza is perfection!
-David
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Thank you, David. Once a poet speaks, it’s up to the listener.
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Interesting… I think sometimes that by closing your eyes you hear much more.
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I do find that to be the case, sometimes.
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That had to be a powerful read. Great poem!
Pat
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Thanks!
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💜
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❤
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