First reading in Twenty Years
Suffern Poetry hosts an Open Mic in the community room, on the top floor of Suffern’s Village Hall. Rows of chairs, separated by one aisle, lead to the “stage”—an open space at the front of the room, facing the audience. A counter separates the main room from a small kitchenette. Florescent lights in a soft ceiling drown the room in light—unlike the performance lighting at Casa Del Sol, where the group hosts its monthly Poetry Slam.
poets’ hard breathing the drone of air conditioners
Bryan, the founder and MC, calls my name. I follow a Binghamton slam poet that performed a brilliant, comic poem. Making eye contact with the back row, I breathe, then begin.
Three poems. Their stories arise with a life of their own. I deliver them all—to genuine, enthusiastic applause.
flushed face Mira’s hands shaping a heart
Photo by Ilyass SEDDOUG
