Poetry Out Loud

Part 1: Website Cruising

Poems
1) Confessions by Robert Browning
2) Alone by Edgar Allen Poe
3) Break of Day in the Trenches by Isaac Rosenberg
4) A Locked House by W. D. Snodgrass;
Famous by Naomi Shihab Nye

Part 2: What I Thought

Of the five poems that I chose to list, my favourites were Alone and A Locked House. These two rhymed, but not in a forced way, and so had a pleasant flow. In addition, both gave me something to think about, and had meaning beyond what was literally stated. I had no reason to dislike any of the poems, as all five were of good quality and direction. However I felt less connection with Confessions, and did not find as much significance in meaning for it as the others. I would probably be most interested in studying and working further with Edgar Allen Poe's Alone, as it flowed well and left much to be interpreted and contemplated. It was also of an appropriate length to be memorized and recited. In terms of personal connection, this poem reminded me of how I sometimes feel. It well captured the essence of my imagination and emotions of myself in wistful thought.

Part 3: Scoring Criteria

In regards to the scoring criteria, I think that I will find the sections of "Level of Difficulty", and "Dramatic Appropriateness" to be the most easy to follow and score well in. To begin with, the former of these categories applies quite well to the poem that I have chosen. Throughout, it has a moderation of complexity of diction and syntax, as well as shifts in tone and mood. In regards to the second category, I find enjoyment in oral interpretation, and trying to change inflection and enunciation to fit what I am reading. Though sometimes in public speech I rush what I am saying, I shall practice adequately to utilize dramatics to a level that satisfies me.

Part 4: Videos

The first video that I chose was that by Stanley Andrew Jackson, who recited the poem "Write on the Steps of Puerto Rican Harlem" by Gregory Corso. I found it a successful performance mainly in how Jackson accompanied the poem with both gestures, of the entire body, and pausing and inflection. In addition, he spoke in a voice that conveyed knowledge of the theme of the poem, in its contemplating nature and its articulation. Above all, his recitation was as if he were the author of the poem, which greatly enhanced the performance. The second was of Jackson Hille's performance of "Forgetfullness" by Billy Collins. The greatest strength of his performance is his voicing and articulation. He spoke, for the entirety of the poem, with  an almost sarcastic tone, which helped to embolden the meaning of the poem. His pausing, articulation, and voicing all add great depth to the poem. The one point that I would criticize him on is his ending. It did not hold the conclusive finality that I would have liked to hear.

Part 5: Summary

For my memorization, I most likely will recite "A Dream Within A Dream" by Edgar Allan Poe. I connect well with many of Poe's poems, as I appreciate both their flow and style and their more deeper and subtle meanings, and this is no exception. I think that with proper preparation, my performance of this poem will be one that I can enjoy.