Poetry Is Good for You

“Don’t worry, poetry is good for you” ~ Lizzie Wann, 4/14/18

Lizzie Wann being introduced by Jeff Berkley of Berkley Hart image credit: @eyedreemit

I had the pleasure of being side stage as one of my favorite poets, Lizzie Wann, served three of her poems to a full concert hall last night to kick off the 2nd set of musical duo Berkley Hart’s 20 year anniversary show for their Wreck N Sow album, which was also a CD release party for their new album While the Night is Still Young. Jeff Berkley and Calman Hart are masters in balancing poignancy with laughter inducing songs and on-stage banter.

Lizzie has a way of encouraging daydreaming while articulating the rough and joyful moments in life, causing the listener to more deeply appreciate the present.

The first two poems, Lessons and When You’re the Person Being Honked at to Go at a Green Light, focus on the value of noticing and learning from the trivial experiences we all have in common. As Jeff Berkley shared, "At no extra charge," the heartbeats of attendees at live theater events synchronize as the show progresses.

Ending with Fire and Fiddles from her acclaimed spoken word (with musical accompaniment) CD A Wing and a Prayer, Lizzie brought us along together on a reflective and dramatic journey through the senses- the perfect set up for the rest of a show full of looking back with a knowing nod to valuing the here and now (especially by making a purchase at the merch table).

Lessons written and performed by Lizzie Wann, 4/14/18, Poway Center for the Performing Arts

When You're the Person Getting Honked at to Go at a Green Light written and performed by Lizzie Wann, 4/14/18, Poway Center for the Performing Arts

Fire and Fiddles audio: https://meetinggrace.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/5-fire-and-fiddles.mp3
by Lizzie Wann

when I am old
I want long grey tornadoes
rooted in my head
to twist & take up surrounding landscapes
strip them to simple fragrance
swirl them into music

a blue eastern sea
becomes salt & flamenco guitar
city sidewalks change to
exhaust fumes & drums
this long road stretching before us
is suddenly diesel & harmonica

I am an old woman
with long grey tornadoes
that whip & grab at your hands
bring them in close
that whistle softly over your skin
sometimes touch down
but always somewhere within
moments of calm
in the eyes
deep down in the roots

I can’t keep you from destruction
have always had trouble predicting the weather
but still you stand
fill my footprints with yellow pollen
for my safe journey
you follow behind
at a distance
like the hunter
never losing track of me
no matter which direction
these tornadoes toss me
push me day by day
to the landscapes that will become
simply approaching rain & thunder
summer grass, fire and fiddles.

Poet Lizzie Wann Waiting in the Wings Image credit: @eyedreemit