While the world has opened up since the pandemic, one of the lasting boons is the ability to Zoom and interact with people worldwide. The experience cannot replace an in-person gathering, but Zoom works well for a lecture format, along with questions and answers. I must admit, it’s taken me a while to warm up to Zoom poetry readings. Only a month ago, Amanda Gorman was offering the audience tips on how to show their appreciation for poetry. She gave the snapping of fingers as an example or the audible moan, similar to enjoying a yummy piece of cake as acceptable ways to respond to poetry at a reading.
In a Zoom room, the microphone is turned on only for the poet. The audience does more talking than during an in-person event. I find all the chatter distracting, especially if I am the one who is presenting. I want to continue with my set, but I also want to know what everyone is saying in the chat. Usually, people are praising the reader or poet, writing down words or phrases that linger in the ear. I think I am old-fashioned and want people’s undivided attention. Even as a listener, I want to hear the poet and not have my attention divided by reading the praises of friends in the audience. In my ideal Zoom room, a moderator would limit or open comments on the chat for a specific time period when the poet is not presenting their work. Perhaps for a few minutes in between the poems or at the end, the chat can be available for everyone?
Over the Memorial Day holiday weekend, I attended the Mission Poetry Series via Zoom, and the poetry was amazing. It featured Barack Obama's Presidential Inauguration Poet Richard Blanco and the Alta California Chapbook prize co-winners Fred Arroyo and Amelia Rodriguez (their winning chapbooks are available through Gunpowder Press ). While the poems were stellar, I have to say I was equally moved and impressed by the Q&A that followed the poetry reading. A strong discussion on reading your work aloud before and after it is printed ensued. Someone asked if the poets read their work aloud while composing, and the answer was unanimous.