Slice of Life Post March 20, 2023 by Barb Edler, shameless or shamed poet at large.

I’m a total mess. I signed up to compete at a poetry slam on Thursday night in Iowa City. You might be asking why this old lady would even attempt to do something like this…the answer is…I want to stretcccchhhhhh myself. I also want to support this event as it is connected to the Iowa Poetry Association, and I’m the secretary.

The promotors suggested bringing friends for support. I don’t think so. Why would I want to embarrass myself in front of my friends????? I’ve talked to my husband about going after I told him he wasn’t going, so I’m pretty sure he is not going. Do you see how my brain spins like a hamster on a wheel? Aggghhhhh!

My biggest problem is I haven’t practiced much. I keep waffling about which poems to perform. I do not really write spoken word poems, so I need to revise or pick ones that are a bit longer. Anyway, it’s crunch time. I must decide on three poems today that I need to memorize. Not only do I need to memorize them, but I also need to figure out how to add gestures, voice inflection, etc., and just go for it. I don’t have to win. I just have to be prepared.

Thanks for listening to my slice of life pep talk to myself. I’ll post some photos about the event on Friday. Oh, the horror that waits. (Somebody, please pray for me!)