The Knoxville Poetry Slam is a fun, welcoming environment for poets and lovers of poetry to gather and support each other.
I have been attending the monthly gatherings at Central Cinema for about six months. I have friends who write and like me love the written word, so I have encouraged them to come out and participate. Their bravery in sharing their work and the supportive folks who attend the poetry readings inspired me to share my work. I have never considered myself a writer or a poet, yet I am always writing.
Writing is how I process, it brings memories to life and it gives me a creative outlet for my thoughts when other mediums are not available to me. Before braving the stage’s bright lights, I tested out a few of my written pieces on my co-workers who encouraged me to sign up at the poetry slam and read. I was both nervous and excited. I think the pieces I chose came across well, so I will share them with you and also the video from the night’s performance. I did mess up a bit but I think it still flowed ok. I am proud of myself for stepping out and doing something out of my comfort zone.
My first piece was my introduction.
Who Am I
Hey, My name is Charmin Yes, it is just like the tissue Yeah, and if you really want to know It has always been an issue From the playground Throughout my whole life All around People asking me Are you squeezable Thinking it is so cute To be teasable When most of the time I find it highly unreasonable I learned to take it in stride To stand out Not to hide To be me Fun, happy And free I live my life by one rule Don't do to me What you wouldn't want done to you Be honest Be true I'll be me And you, just be you Treat me right, with quality time And I can be teasable And baby, if you've got me You better believe I'm squeezable Trear me wrong, And I'll just say So long I have no time for drama, hate or discontent Life is to precious To waste a single moment So find the good and grab ahold Life's an adventure Let's be bold Yes, my name is Charmin Just like the tissue But you know what It's no longer an issue The second piece I read was an introspective bit called All I See.
All I See So I look at you And all I see Is the magnificence Of what could be Not as a we, A you and a me But as just you Being truly you I get the feel No one has ever Let you be really REAL Truly free It's not too late God didn't give You an exipration date So say what you need No matter the time of day You don't have to bleed From what's been cut away It is time to be the true and unfiltered you Time to shine Just lay it all on the line No apologies, or I'm sorry No regrets, no worries Pull yourself off the shelf It's time to show your true self No judgment awaits I am a safe space I long for you to be free From your chains you have grace My only hope is That I am around to see The magnificence of what I know YOU will be. If you are interested in attending or reading at the Knoxville Poetry Slam you can find them on Facebook here. Thanks for hanging out with me today.
On a Roll with Charmin 