Lights . . . An Alert Audience . . . Silence . . . Nervous . . .  But Prepared . . .  Ready. . .  Set . . . GO!

These are all the feelings I felt before presenting my poems. The most important thing that I had to remember was slow down and read in a slow steady pace. The audience was alert. They wanted to hear something from the heart, something that would keep their spirits alive and encourage them to push forth in their own inspiration. 
     The setting was near a noisy restaurant. You could hear the costumers talking really loud and dishes being washed. The dim lights and candles being burned gave the room a smooth and comforting feeling. While walking to the stage, there was complete silence that covered the atmosphere of the room. Now, I am thinking to myself that nervousness is only in my mind, so therefore be calm because I knew I already looked cool...Ready Set Go!
     Reading my poetry at La Peña Cultural Center was a relaxing and refreshing experience. I felt really comfortable reading in front of the audience. There were people from all different reading levels reading their poetry. Some people just got onstage and said one sentence and they were finished. It was amazing and also hard to understand that poetry can be one single word that is used to explain feelings, history or even a person’s social environment. I finally realized that writing and reading poetry can be a releasing, expressive and a comforting tool that everyone should experience even if you don’t enjoy writing. (Like Nike “JUST DO IT”.) 
     Lights, Camera, Action!

1. One day at a time.
2. Take things as they come.
3. Never give up hope.
4. If you smile, the whole world smiles with you and if you cry, you cry alone.
5. There is nowhere in Heaven to spend money. You can’t take it with you.
6. Enjoy life as it comes.
7. Keep busy - it will keep you out of trouble.
8. Help people when they are in need.
9. Time will tell for itself.
10. You can complain, but not too much.