There’s always something wonderful, as far as I’m concerned, about sitting in an audience and listening to poetry. Every voice is different. Some you may love, some may leave you cold, some will inspire you to go home and write a piece of your own. Perhaps you’ll see a familiar situation in a new light, look at the world in a way you’d never quite seen it before. Maybe you’ll simply be comforted by knowing that someone else is passionate about the things you’re passionate about, that there are other people out there like you. All of this is possible, and all of it is good.
Standing up in front of an audience to share poems can be every bit as enjoyable. I love going to new places (or re-visiting ones I’ve been to before), getting up behind the mic, and hoping my work will strike a chord with the people I’m talking to. It’s a real privilege, and an absolute buzz. And that’s just the gig – there’s also the joy of exploring a new town, or wandering round old haunts. Would I happily spend as much time out on the road as possible? Absolutely. Without a moment’s hesitation. It can be the back room of a pub or an arts centre, a night with a huge reputation or one put on by a few friends somewhere off the beaten track, but it’s the sharing of words that’s important. That connection.
Right now, I’m busy sorting out gigs for the second half of this year. There’s a road trip to Scotland, for starters, which I’m really looking forward to, and I’m always keen to add more. So if you fancy hearing me read where you live, if you’d like a little more poetry in your town, drop me a line. Get in touch, and let’s see what we can sort out. Because nothing beats live poetry. It’s an absolute buzz.
