Performing literature

This week I went to another poetry reading-type event dubbed "live literature", only this one was for poetry, books, scripts, music and film. Don't ask me how it all falls under the umbrella of literature, ask my university which was where it was being held.

I was having a good conversation with a new friend (think crow grudges and toilet paper usage - no, really), the first performances were brilliant and then someone famous walked in.

Yes, that's right: someone famous.

Okay, they're probably not super famous. You've probably never heard of them but I was freaking OUT. Especially since it was his book I had asked my mum for and received for Christmas. His name? Anthony Joseph.

It wasn't so strange he was there. It was after all a "live literature" event and he had graduated from my university. I just hadn't expected to see him there - it was a relatively small venue, it had started late and to be honest, there weren't a lot of people there who weren't performing. But it was totally cool he was there because, as I said, I freaked out with excitement. And bragged to my friends who were with me. And my friend's flatmate, who I barely know. Yes indeed, I was feeling pretty good about my whimsical decision to attend that performance event.

Then at the end, Mr Joseph got up and performed new material. I think I had an internal spasm attack of pure joy. It was superb. I was spellbound. Hypnotised. But most of all, I was inspired. It was really interesting to hear him read poetry about his place of origin - Trinidad. I think that heritage connection allowed me to take his poetry more personally and I was able to relate to him in a way that I've never done before with a poet. It was a glorious feeling, made all the more special when I went up to Mr Joseph at the end and shook his hand.

Okay, that didn't happen. I didn't speak to him, I didn't even make eye contact. I left twenty minutes before the end because it was starting to get boring and my friends wanted to leave. Perhaps there will be another event where I will bump into Anthony Joseph and we can exchange business cards. That way we can work up a regular correspondence, I can become his protégé and soar into fame under his guidance. Yeah, I can totally see it happening.

First step: getting a business card.