In observation of World Poetry Day, I’ve decided to try my hand, again*, at some poetic stylings.
Envision a standing microphone at your local nook and cranny café that’s open late to facilitate an open mic session for artistes – musicians, short storytellers, and poets.
My name is called, and I approach with a level of nervous energy. There’s a spotlight beaming down on me, so I can’t quite see my audience, but I can hear them.
“Okay, girl. Take a deep breath in and capture all the nerves and negative energy. Exhale and release it all. You got this,” I say in an internal dialogue with myself.
I open my mouth, and:
‘Nerves’
A pit patter of sweat falls from my temple to the collar of my shirt.
Pit pat, pit pat, it goes one bead after the other with some dripping on my skirt
I’m not sweating because of exercise, nor because I’m hot.
I’m sweating because there’s a ball of fluttering butterflies inside my gut.
Something new, transformative, and scary is on its way, so much so that with every direction the wind blows, I’ll inadvertently sway.
It’s a series of opportunities that will facilitate me increasing my coins.
This’ll be a rocky road, for sure. So, I know I’ll have to gird my loins.
“What opportunities may these be?”, you ask. I’ll respond with, “I don’t quite know.” Maybe, instead, your question should be, “Are you up to task?”.
To be honest, I still wouldn’t know. I really don’t. I only know that I’m scared and nervous as all hell
I’m no fortune teller, and as such, all I can hope is that all will be well.
I’m smart, talented, ambitious, and trainable, too
So whatever these opportunities are, It’s all for my benefit, I’d construe.
I say all that to say:
With courage in my heart and faith guiding my way, I’ll step into tomorrow, come what may.
And,
In this dance of change, I’ll embrace the unknown, For growth and possibilities to me, shall be shown.
Once I say the last word of my poem, I hold my head down and take another breath, and then I hear snapping fingers signalling that my audience connected with and enjoyed the poem.
I step down and take my seat as the butterflies untie themselves, and there’s no more sweat.
On this World Poetry Day and onwards, I encourage you to put words together to express yourself. Use it as an outlet for your feelings, use it as a tool for therapy, and use it to expressivley to share your thoughts. Use it for future personal reference.
*On Valentine’s Day, I penned a series of love poems with an English-Patois mix. Check them out!
Signed with love,
The Suburban Girl JA®
The Suburban Girl JA® 