The standout event for me during this year's Freshers Week was the 'Alternative Arts Night' at Lady Beck, Mabgate. The night featured an open mic preceding performances from electronic musicians, a cappella singers, performance art and comedy sketches. As this is officially the year of pushing myself to do new things, gathering the courage to go back to college and earning a place on this degree program being the main things I have accomplished, I wanted to give this a go! I have done many speeches, presentations, Q and A's and Meet and Greets as part of my charity work with Guide Dogs, the RNIB, Henshaws, Action for Blind People and Great Ormond Street Hospital - so I am used to speaking in public for a lengthy amount of time.
While I am more than happy to share my story of being born premature and having a severe visual impairment, struggling at school with little support but ultimately overcoming my challenges and obstacles, I find it hard to share my work with people - whether this is my illustrations or my writing. They feel too special and I like to hold onto them, longer than I probably need to, and I need to get over this if I am to undertake this course and partake in regular crits!
You Can See Me
You can see me
but I can’t see you
Is this fair?
Is this a game,
Or a test of my patience and resilience?
You can see me
but I can’t see you
I don’t know your reactions
or your expressions
only your voice and the clues it provides
You can see me
but I can’t see you
Is it me who you are talking to?
Or someone behind or beside me?
You can see me
but I can’t see you
Are you there across the room
or have you gone?
You can see me
but I can’t see you
there is no need to wave or smile
and yet... I still catch them
I can feel your warm personality
and can laugh at your jokes
and join in your conversations
You can see me
but I can’t see you
there is no need for sympathy
or pity or condolence
None are of any use to me
You can see me
but I can’t see you
This I have accepted
I am friendly, approachable
independent and confident
ask me questions - learn to understand!
I am happy to share my world with you
don’t feel awkward, I am your friend
You can see me
but I can’t see you
we are all on the same journey
from beginning to end
passing through life
and learning of its treasures
though some have it harder
and need time to adjust and adapt
You can see me
but I can’t see you
This is who I am
and everything I have to give
You can see me
and I can see you
You are all you can be
giving love, light, happiness and friendship
sharing knowledge, ideas and understanding
collaborating and learning and growing
The world is full of love
...and I can see that clearly
Reflection
I feel that sharing a very personal poem, that I wrote especially for this event to share, was really beneficial to me as a person and as a practitioner. It was certainly the first step in helping me to open the door on sharing my work with a larger audience, than my immediate family or friends, and the very positive feedback was reassuring to continue down this route. I would love to attend more performance art and open mic night events!
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