It was a warm night, I was in that second-hand satin dress I’ve been wearing a lot lately, the one that falls just above the knee. Sapphos was buzzing when we arrived and I was so nervous. There was the clinking of glasses, six-dollar sangria. A variety of different people, young and old, some laughing in their own social circles, others sitting quietly alone, reading a book or writing. Matias found a table in the little lane way and we ordered tapas to share. I sat fidgeting with the hem of my skirt though or twisting and braiding my hair, m catching my hand to keep me still. The smell of orange peel from the lady sitting next to us was so soothing though, the surprise of it.
I think my favourite poet from the night was a blind man with his ode to Sydney. It was so tender, so visual. A love poem. I sat there listening with my eyes shut feeling the city with the same urgent certainty he did. There’s nothing better than moments like that. A glimpse into the life of another, each with their own worlds and history and experiences. We’re so fragile and we have this deep need to be understood or heard. I guess that’s why I love poetry so much, creativity so much, in all its forms. It’s so wholeheartedly human.
Anyway, it’s almost two am and i’m in bed now retracing this night over and over. Noticing smaller things each time that I know I’ll keep close to my heart. Mostly, I’m just so proud of myself. For those who know me understand just how quiet I am. This cafe means so much to me though, it was the right place for me to do this, another milestone. And I’m so glad it was shared with m, he’s the most supportive person I know.
Until next time I guess. It’s inspired me to write more poems :) If you’d like to hear the poem I decided to perform tonight, you may do so by clicking here. Sending love.
