Fed Up and Foolish

This is technically a performance poem and is meant to be read with some kind of rhythm in mind.

So...

We're going to try something new.

Here's a little BGM for your reading today. Go ahead...play.

Fed up and foolish.

I can't get my time back, but boy, do I wish.

I wish that when I walked backwards, it meant we rewound to where the knot got knotted.

Back in time to see you before you fell.

Back in time before we all knew the true new you.

Fed up and foolish.

Do you wish? That when the beat of the drum...

Drum. Drum. Drum.

Beat. Beat. Beat.

We could maybe take one, two, three steps away.

Step back.

Breathe with me.

In...

and...

Out.

Fed up and foolish.

Just stop with this spitting out nonsense.

What do I get?

At the end of the day. What do I get?

Fed up and foolish.

You can not, on one hand, count this.

This, this, this shaking, stuttering, mumbling.

Sh-sh-sh-aking. St-st-stuttering. mmmmmubmling.

We're in this too far. Too far to go back.

When did I wish upon a star?

Heavens, Jimney, who do you think you are?

Rewind is not the option here.

Dance with me. One, two, three.

One, two, three.

In....

and...

Out...

Fed up and foolish.

All calmed down now.

Palm to the chest. The drum.

duh-duh, duh-duh, duh-duh.

Alive and...well...fed up and foolish.

At the top of the hill, we will look back and sigh.

Relief.

We got through this.

Thank you for reading! I mostly write fiction and poetry, but sometimes I write real-life things as well. If you enjoyed this, why not consider subscribing? To support my work, why not consider leaving a tip <3

Author's Note

I first learned about slam/performance poetry in Disney's The Goofy Movie. I know, right?! I didn't actually know it was a real thing until my high school had a slam poetry club. I fell in love with it. I watched videos, gleaned all the wisdom from my mentor that I could and practised to the best of my ability.

I performed with shakey, wet hands until my confidence grew. Then, I had the chance to lead and teach my own group of young people. Giddy. I was filled to the brim with life over their zeal and talent with words. We laughed, oohed and awed.

It's a bit strange to only simply give you a written piece that is meant to have emphasis, loud parts, quiet parts and stresses where performance deems necessary. Alas, here is a poem meant for performance.

Let's Chat

I'm curious, dear readers. Have you ever performed a poem or a short story? Where was it? How did you feel? Let's chat in the comments below!

*I run a newsletter with a friend of mine, and our goal is to help stuck creatives get unstuck. It's a hub of inspiration to help keep the flame of creativity burning or to make the spark light it again. Do consider subscribing for prompts, writing exercises, inspirational boosts, and so much more. All creatives, writers and artists alike are welcome!