Every time I read poetry, it is reminiscent of pregnancy. I can feel my pulse expanding—the sound of my hearts pounding out the room—the overwhelming feeling that something, someone, is arriving inside of me.

I am very grateful to Poemeleon and Inlandia Institute for hosting a reading at the Arlington Branch Riverside Public Library. At the source of this event was the lovely Cati Porter. I just got ahold of her new work—I am really excited to reread (al)most delicious.  I was so nervous at the event that I didn’t even get a chance to tell her how great her poetry is—I wanted to thank her for writing a book that not only delights but liberates our humanity.

I was blessed to hear Brendan Constantine read—he makes me cry every time he reads. His lines are so crafty. When I read his books, I find myself laughing at the wit and inventiveness of his lines—but when he read—oh—there is that depth. Beneath the wit and charm are layers of emotional textures. The world pours through him. We readers are lucky to have him and his work with us.

I met for the first time, Robbi Nester and Larry Eby. What great work!—inventive and flowing. What great people!—kind and generous.

At this reading, I used naughty puppets. After the initial worry from the audience that “she might be crazy,” they opened up to the experience…they even loved my snake shaped boogers I gave them. It is always fun feel the shift—to feel people gather together in a communal journey–even if the adventure is a bit crazy.

If you can, please come to my next reading. It is at the beautiful Annenburg Beachhouse in Santa Monica. You can hear Brendan Constantine read—experience firsthand the flow of language he creates.

I will have a few puppets and will be dressed in layers of life (or death). There will be layers anyways.