 Rote memorization has always been associated with poetry. Poets who can recite from memory get applause. It's equally impressive if you can quote Lord Byron or Mya Angelou from memory. It's only slightly less impressive if you can quote one of your own poems without a book or phone. That's why I want you to commit to memorizing one of your poems, with the intention of carrying it around in your head, ready to drop at any given opportunity. It should be a short, powerful, unforgettable poem. But if you can't manage that, it should at least be short. Don't overwhelm people. And don't add to much dramatic flourish to your reading. Let the words do the talking, or you'll seem too rehearsed. Once, in a car full of his female friends, a poetic rival challenged me to recite one of my poems. Luckily, I was up to the challenge and -- when I finished the poem -- everyone clapped. If I showed you the poem right now, I promise you wouldn't clap! It's not a great poem. What got people clapping was the fact that I could recite without flaw, from memory. It's like watching someone play a song right in front of you, or rap in front of you. They may or may not be a pro, but there's a natural excitement in just being around any decent live performance. So, do me a favor. Memorize one of your best, short poems. Then, if you want to, memorize another one later just so you don't look like a one-hit wonder. Tally Poems Written: 305 Submissions: 50 Rejections: 19 (12 tiered) Acceptances: 0 Poem written today: "N/A" * Three music demos recorded* Categories All
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