Hi Maria -
How I work as a reader:
When I'm introduced I stride to the podium or stand in place to attention, a black
portfolio in hand. After a (very) few words of introduction and thanks, I look to
and open my portfolio to page one. I raise my head and gaze over the audience, the
way a conductor might command an orchestra's attention, in deliberate silence.
Then I deliver the work, mostly from memory, using the page as a reminder if I get
lost, using the pause of turning pages to signal the next poem or part in a series
(and as part of the rhythmic
balance between voice and silence). I hit each syllable the way a musician
enunciates each note. I deliver the work so that, to myself, I sound as if I'm
reading at half-speed (which to an audience sounds unrushed, just right). I've
crafted the rhythms of the poems so that they both vary and assist each other in
their reading. I trust in the work to carry the moment, consider myself in service
to the word. I'm the messenger, not the message. It's about the work after all. At
the end of my set, I fold the portfolio shut and, after half a pause, say thank
you.
- Frank
**************************
Frank Parker
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http://users.montereyisp.com/frank
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Poetryetc provides a venue for a dialogue relating to poetry and
>poetics [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of maria fletcher
>Sent: Friday, September 06, 2002 4:59 PM
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: readings
>
>
>For those who have had the experience of reading their own poetry in
>public, I am interested - do poets read from memory or from the page
>these days?
>
>maria
>
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