revelation to me

how I underestimate the power of live poetry. I would say without hesitation that music, visual art, dance, transcend barriers of language and culture. But in my little pointy poet's head, I'm still stuck in the mindset that says poetry is language, and only language. Can't reach or touch anyone beyond the language it's in.

There's truth and untruth in that. Each time I perform for a non-english-speaking audience, I'm humbled by their generosity, their willingness to enter the energy of the work beyond the confines of language.