Reciting, If, seated on a bus

posted by Melissa

I did it!  We recited our memorized poems on the Seattle Metro bus. 

We had a lovely dinner at home with friends and family, added in a little wine for courage.  Ok, and a little sissy rum.  (That's what I endearingly called Amy's coconut rum)  Then we walked up to the Safeway and got on the 43 for a ride downtown.  

I was so nervous.   And I think it shows.  But I am proud of myself for following through, and doing something that scared the shit out of me.  I forgot a couple lines toward the end, but I am ok with that.  I must say, though, it is painful to watch oneself on video.  Just awful.  

"Why do I stick my chin out like that when I think?"

"Um, make sure no one ever has to look at me from that angle."

"Does my voice really sound like that?  And pull my damn shirt up over my shoulder, did I think I was on Flashdance?"

These are a few of the many thoughts I had while watching myself.  But I am posting it anyway, and you know what?  It is completely liberating.  I think my poem would like that.

There you have it.  Me, just as I am, reciting "If" by Rudyard Kipling.  

-Melissa