Recent poetry readings

It's National Poetry Month, so (virtual) poetry readings are popping up everywhere.

 Last Friday night, I participated in a virtual poetry slam, "This Woman's Work," for the Women's Center for Healing & Transformation in Abita Springs, Louisiana. I read my microchap, Pandemic Times, and "My Name is America and I'm Going to Get You Vaccinated."

Today, I participated in the New Orleans Poetry Festival virtual open mic event. I read a new poem, "Shrove Tuesday, Northshore," a poem ("A Limited Depth of Field") from my forthcoming chapbook, The Last Time I Saw You, and--once again--"My Name is America and I'm Going to Get You Vaccinated." 

I don't really care for virtual poetry readings, though they are considerably better than having no poetry readings at all. I need live bodies, eye contact, and active audience feedback. (Also, I'm tired of putting on makeup so that people can see me for five minutes.) I have heard some people say that poetry readings should continue to be virtual even when it's safe to have them live again, and I vote a very big "no" on that idea.

There is one advantage of virtual readings and workshops--anyone can watch/listen, no matter where s/he lives. Check out the New Orleans Poetry Festival lineup to see if there's a workshop you'd like to take in.