I tried it
and it wasn’t easy.
I had a go at reciting an ode
which, after a slow start,
can explode
in a frenzy of emotions.
But I failed.
A Canadian poet
had planted the seed
of slam poetry in my head
but I did not succeed,
as I said.
His name was Shane
and I sensed the pain
that he felt as he spoke of a boy
who was dying of cancer
in a hospital ward
with no hope of reprieve.
And you better believe
that he heard the F word
from a child of nine
who was cursing his fate;
but he didn‘t flinch and instead
praised the kid‘s bravery.
The poet painted a picture
full of pathos and poignancy;
so potent that it’s hard
to emulate.
The audience sat in silence
and watched his performance
with reverence.
And I, on my part,
appreciated his art
and saluted a master at work.
© Luigi Pagano 2010
Comments
lenchenelf | February 17, 2010 - 10:08
Luigi, as a review and tribute to the work, you've cleverly captured the charge of electricity that many felt I think. Thank you, atb Lenaxx
luigi_pagano | February 17, 2010 - 10:39
You are so right, Lena. I thought that it was really moving and that the audience was engrossed in the stunning performance.
Many thanks for letting me have your views.
Luigi xxx
Beeme | February 17, 2010 - 12:02
This is a beautiful tribute, I absolutely love Shane Koyczan's poetry because it's so charged with emotion and honesty. Your poem captures what is beautiful about the poem 'The Crickets Have Arthritis'
"His name was Shane
and I sensed the pain
that he felt as he spoke of a boy
who was dying of cancer
in a hospital ward
with no hope of reprieve.
And you better believe
that he heard the F word
from a child of nine
who was cursing his fate;
but he didn‘t flinch and instead
praised the kid‘s bravery."
Beeme xx
luigi_pagano | February 17, 2010 - 13:43
He is good, isn't he, Beeme? His delivery is magnificent, especially in that poem, and he is a consummate artist.
I am so glad we both share an appreciation for his skill.
Luigi xx
jennifer gentle | May 25, 2010 - 11:31
Yeh right.
Slam poetry:
It ain't hard
I made some up in the yard
Then the back door went SLAM!!
Ow! the pain!
No not again!!
(but i don't know how to write the good stuff)
all the best
jeni
luigi_pagano | May 25, 2010 - 13:11
Hi jeni. Quote: (but i don't know how to write the good stuff). Do I sense a bit of frustration here?
What constitutes good stuff anyway? Just let your imagination run and experiment with styles.
If you have a favourite author try to write like him/her. You'll soon discover how to express yourself
in a manner that others will appreciate. Just be patient and persevere.
All the best, Luigi.
JoseHdz | January 26, 2011 - 21:47
loved the honesty in the piece.
great job, Luigi.
cheers,
jose.
luigi_pagano | January 26, 2011 - 22:41
Nice of you to say so, jose. Many thanks.
MaggieG | September 7, 2011 - 22:42
I have written one performance in my life, and they are damn hard to do ( The fact I do not speak in public doesn't help ) The only thing I can equate it to are the preachers of the Southern U.S. They call it "catching The Spirit" You wrote this very very well, and capture your subject even better.
luigi_pagano | September 8, 2011 - 08:29
I absolutely agree MaggieG. Some people are born speakers - and the example you give of the southern preachers is spot on - and others, like myself, aren't. I am very conscious that I speak English with an Italian accent and much prefer others to recite my poems.
Your attention to my work is very welcome and I thank you.
Luigi :)