“When does it start? I need the loo.”

“Oh, I think in a moment or two.”

Do you want some water, in case you go dry?”

“Sssh! I’m listening, I’ll tell you why

in a minute, if you’ll just wait there.

I think I can see – yes, he’s the compere.”

“Well, put your name down, get on the list!

To come all this way, then only to miss

your chance to read, that would be a shame.

I want them to hear you, to know your name,

to learn how great your poetry is.

So step on over, don’t get in a tizz!”

“OK, I’m going! Please get me a drink,

my throat is so parched, I can hardly think.”

“I offered you that, a while ago,

just get your name down, please don’t be slow

in grabbing this wonderful chance to take part,

or I’ll drive home without you, and it’s getting dark!”

“Alright, I’ve done it! My name is submitted.

I can’t turn back, I’ve just committed

to read aloud, the spotlight’s on me.

So please, I beg, will you get me a tea?”

“Too late, my dear, the lights have turned low.

He’s calling your name – get on with the show!”

———-

Tonight, Claudia is hosting dVerse Meeting the Bar and has asked us to write poetry in the form of conversation. Riding on the wave of yesterday’s fantastic evening where I took part in my first ever poetry reading night, at the Chinwag event at Aberystwyth Arts Centre, I decided to be light-hearted. This rhyming conversation does somewhat mirror the circular discussion my best friend suffered with me beforehand, as I dithered a little over putting my name down, should, shouldn’t I have drink, what if, what if, what if…?! Whilst my heart was pounding like fury when I started reading, it was great fun and I received proper applause, not just that kind smattering that I was worried about!

I hope you enjoy this slightly comedic piece – please do let me know. And please, do pop in to dVerse, find the Mr Linky, read a few/all of the other poems and think about taking part yourself!