Imagine I am middle schoolish

(or if you prefer, you can call it Jr. High)

And I am at a poetry slam

I might be brave enough to risk looking foolish

I might be quiet and quite shy

Perhaps that’s who I am

Or I am popular and this is just fun

Middle school girls in concert scream

As I approach the stage

Or will at least when I am done

As down mom’s cheeks tears also stream

For I am older than my age

So judges please be kind to me and mine

Perhaps what we think deep ain’t so

But we try hard to find that Zen 

And on a scale from 1 to 9

Please start from 8 or mo’

And please make mine a 10.

I attended my first poetry slam at my daughter's middle school (she didn't compete - in fact, there wasn't anyone I knew competing).   I am impressed by people who put themselves out there.  Especially given that the stereotypical poet, particularly in "jr. high school" is shy and quiet and stands far away from the mike until someone moves the mike closer, and she/he backs away again, but has to get an 8 for trying, even though we couldn't hear.  Right?

AGAIN!

http://www.andyawards.com/