A late apprenticeship

 

I've been writing poetry for 35 years, have published and performed, and my poetry even helped me get a First for my degree. Getting up to take part in the Open Mic parts of the Bright Scarf nights at The Belfry, then being given my own 'support' slot, has shown me that I still have huge amounts to learn. How to read in a way that gives the listener time to absorb the many things going on in my poems. A little explanation -- throwing the audience a bone. Like the way in which a little information about the things that inspire a painter allow you to get behind their art. I thought I knew how to 'read' my poems. I have a way to go.