A Religious Experience

“A good poem is a contribution to reality. The world is never the same once a good poem has been added to it. A good poem helps to change the shape of the universe, helps to extend everyone’s knowledge of himself and the world around him.” — Dylan Thomas

I’ve never gotten into poetry. I’ve read some that I’ve liked. Love is a Dog From Hell by Charles Bukowski is one of my favorites. I prefer gritty and real poems that elicit an emotional response and magically create incredible imagery without stooping to flowery metaphors or sappy sentiments. I like the dark side of poetry.

I’ve never been to a poetry reading. It never really occurred to me that hearing the poem spoken by the poet himself can bring it to life in a way that reading it simply cannot do. That is one thing I learned while on my road trip this weekend.

Ani DiFranco

The focal point of the trip was to attend an Ani DiFranco concert in Des Moines, IA at an indescribably beautiful and intimate venue; The Hoyt Sherman Theater, which is worthy of a blog post in itself. I would happily have spent the evening exploring all the rooms and nooks and crannies of this place. I’m certain there is at least one secret room and/or passageway. But I digress…Ani did not disappoint. That such powerful lyrics and incredible vocals emanate from this adorable, tiny woman blew me away. Her political songs are exceptionally written and performed but it’s her more personal, emotional songs that get me. This was my favorite song of the night:

Having said all that, it was her opening act that really got me. Buddy Wakefield. He’s a poet. But he doesn’t read his poems. He performs them, complete with unrestrained emotion, a partner with incredible musical talent, comedy and even dancing. He truly engages the audience. His unique delivery of his poetry that night was the closest I’ve ever come to anything remotely resembling a religious experience. I cannot do him justice by writing about it. He truly is a force that must be seen and heard to appreciate. My favorite poem of the night:

During his brief performance I was alternately brought to tears elicited by the  recognition of emotions he was expressing and tears of laughter. It was as if he put into words, in an authentic yet entertaining way, many of my own experiences and emotions. Others in the audience seemed to feel the same way. The line that hit me like a ton of bricks; ”…all my eggs were in a basket of red flags…”.

I had to buy a souvenir. I thought I wanted one of his CDs so I could hear his poems in his voice but he had a book too. And he was standing right there. Even if he hadn’t been standing right there I probably would have gone for the book anyway because, well, I love books. But he was standing right there so he autographed my book:

I honestly have no idea what it says. My best guess is,  ”For Cyndi, Thank you fort pinwheel and the yes wine, Buddy Wakefield”. What the hell does that mean?! It doesn’t matter. The book is amazing and I’m happy I got it.

This experience was much more than a poetry reading followed by a concert. It was also a revival, a comedy show, a political rally, a therapy session and maybe even a religious experience.

I have much more to say about our little road trip so until next time….

Thanks for stopping by!