background: rehearsal for “when doors slam shut”
some years ago, i took a poetry workshop taught by tracy k. smith, the 2012 pulitizer prize winner for poetry. one week, she gave the class this writing prompt: write a poem with two distinct threads of action. rehearsal is what came out of it. i know some poets don’t like writing prompts/set forms (main complaint is that they’re too restrictive). at their best, i see them as good therapy. prompts/forms don’t just ask writers to show what they know. they push the writer to uncover ideas, emotions and skills that might have otherwise been left buried in one’s comfort zone.
my question to you: i’ve said that this poem is my favorite. however, i don’t see myself ever performing it at an open mic since i think it’s better suited to be read on the page than heard. that said, if i was ever to take it to a stage, what would i need to do performance-wise to help my listening audience have the same experience as my reading audience?
comments & questions:
I like it. It moves fast, which kept my attention. Had to read it a second time to get some connections, which started to come out as I read through the first time.
As far as your question. I would incorporate movement (going from one spot to another) or anything to make it animated.
But, what do I know!? – Dwight
cool glad you like it.
and yeah i could pick a spot for each thread and maybe really act out the right side. good looks.
