(I.P.) - Unaccustomed As I Am

Cherry

By luigi_pagano

Sun, 09 Jan 2011
  • 4003 reads
14 comments
 

I feel alright in front of the mirror,
my diction is clear, the tone is right,
but facing people I’m full of terror;
I gasp for air and my throat is tight.

Public performance is a nightmare.
I go to pieces when I see the crowd
and truly wish that I wasn’t there.
My voice is shrill, perhaps too loud.

I am all aquiver as I hear my name
being announced by the compere,
this is too serious, it isn’t a game:
the tension is more than I can bear.

My face resembles tomato ketchup,
the rhythm alters, first up then down;
it starts at a trot and ends in a gallop.
At the deep end, I will soon drown.

But when it’s over, what do I find?
I didn’t need to undergo such torment:
some in the audience are very kind
commending me on my regional accent.

© Luigi Pagano 2011

Certificate U
Poem
Cherry ripe
Miscellaneous

Comments

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on
How wonderful Luigi, this is certainly a great I.P. I love how you express yourself in the fourth stanza: My face resembles tomato ketchup, the rhythm alters, first up then down; it starts at a trot and ends in a gallop. At the deep end, I will soon be drawn. Brilliant read. Jenny.

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on
Hi Jenny. I am quite an extrovert but when it comes to reading my own poetry I seem to retreat into a shell. I can't find the right rhythm and doubt even that the poems are any good. It is the kind of insecurity that assails anybody who hasn't had much practice at reading in public. The only consolation is that people are sympathetic to our plight. Thanks for the comment. Luigi x

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on
I know what you mean Luigi, even reading to one person, makes me go red. Congratulations on the cherries, well deserved. Jenny.

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on
Don't worry Jenny. Just persevere and you'll find that one day everything clicks and you'll wonder why you doubted yourself in the first place. Luigi x

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on
Absolutely brilliant, Luigi. I just love the title - so very apt, as is the poem, of course for the I.P. I must admit, this week's has left me scratching my head but I have to say, yours has inspired me so I'm just going to have to give it more thought. Many congrats on the cherry. More than deserved;-) Tina xxx

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on
Go on with you, Tina. It is unusual for inspiration to desert you. You only have to pick up a pen to produce something brilliant. And this is amply demonstrated by the number of cherries to your name. As for my collection, can't really grumble. Thanks for your support. Luigi xxx

 

Submitted by Cavalcader on
new Luigi_Pagano Hi! Good one for (IP) well deserved cherry! Thankyou to for explaining exactly the same with me,I have only read about twice in a pub group, lights are low,one can't see the words. Someone draws a sketch of each, I click on here,nothing like me at all.Mixed group. Of different things.Not been while,now state must be on time,as if some come late disturbs others,called "Step Up To The Mic".My knees,knock I go into shock! julie xx

Submitted by luigi_pagano on
Dear Julie, I hear what you say. We all experience the feeling that we are not up to the task when asked to perform in front of people that we probably don't know. It is much easier if one belongs to a writers' group, as I do. You then get to know your fellow members and don't feel inhibited. Good luck to you when you next read. Luigi xx

 

Submitted by fatboy74 on
Well done Luigi v. good take on IP, I think we all forget that most occassions when we have to speak in public, people want us to do well - still doesn't stop the tremors and ketchup face. :-)

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on
You are so right, fb. I understand that even professionals are apprehensive before an appearance. And it is true that audiences are sympathetic. It does help,though, if one has the necessary qualities, i.e. a good, clear voice, etc., etc.

 

Submitted by seashore on
I just love this Luigi - you express so well what many of us feel in these situations. Does anyone NOT feel nervous about reading their own poetry to a large group I wonder?

Submitted by luigi_pagano on
Many thanks, seashore, for reading this. I dare say that everybody is self-conscious when reading in public. Sometimes we see performers who look assured in their delivery but it happens rarely to amateur speakers like me. I have just heard about a film about King George VI and the difficulties he had with his stammer. Here was someone who was expected to speak to his subjects but couldn't easily, not because of nervousness but due to disability.

 

Submitted by alex_tomlin on
Yep, I can relate to this, and I don't even have a regional accent to save me! Good poem.

Submitted by luigi_pagano on
Cheers Alex. Now you can see what we have to endure for the sake of Art. Ta for the comment.