This is just charming. The project author writes:
I don’t know all that much about poetry – but I found this book – or rather, it found me – I walk around town with it, along with my little camera. I ask people on the street or where ever I go if they would like to read a poem from the little book – to my pleasant surprise most say yes.
What I like best about this project is at the very end when people finish reading the poem, there is an expression on their faces – a look of something genuine, and, well, I don’t know, innocence maybe… something pure meeting the threads of the self-conscious.
It’s nice to see people trying hard, struggling a bit, reflecting in the moment and then seeing that transition from introspection clash reality.
I think this is why everyone enjoys some kind of poetry, it lifts you up and out – there’s no helping it..
The year-long project started in July and seems to be posting a reading a day on both You Tube and Vimeo. Reminiscent of How Pedestrian, another poetry out loud website we interviewed here on Voice Alpha , but with its own unique approach. I don’t know exactly which book of poems forms the basis for the project, but I’m guessing it’s something Oxford Book Of English Verse-ish. Watch random passers-by obligingly read Wordsworth, Shakespeare, Gray, Blake, etc for the camera. And it’s true about people’s expressions when they look up after finishing their reading. Just delightful.
(all ‘poetry out loud websites’ featured on Voice Alpha)
Oh, this is wonderful. In poieo #3 I think she was saying “how loud” just when it got very loud! And it sounded like she was saying “animated bus” when a bus went by, but it was probably a “bust,” based on the rhyme. Anyhoo, I love how the background noise and activities continue behind and around the little moment of poetry!!
I know! And I so enjoy the fact that it’s Blake or Wordsworth or Tennyson to boot!
A great project! I loved being a part of the sonnet projectna few years ago where people recorded themselves reading one of Shakespeare’s sonnets until they had all of them covered. Some weere very theatrical, some were spontaneous street recordings and some were just done during the course I’d a person’s normal day. this is a testament to how willing people are to listen if they are introduced to poetry in an engaging way.
Donna – it’s so true. I love the energy and willingness people put into their readings in these videos.
Sorry for the typos. iPad fail at the car dealership.