E. Zora Knight

My photo
a special order, straight queer and strong black.

2008-08-13

NPS Finals



When I say the night was electric, it is not an exaggeration, but an understatement.

It started with a very moving tribute to Shannon. An empty stage with watery blue lights shining toward a microphone. Neo Soul's slam team along with moi, performed (in the stage wings) Shelia's Poem to Shannon. I added a touch of Yeat's A Prayer for My Daughter (for Jono and B-Fran). Faye sang "Turn Around) beautifully under stress, and Chelle and I read the body of Shelia's work.

A text from my girl Angel along with a few LJ entries let me know my/our/THE goal was accomplished. 1) A beautifully moving tribute. 2) a reminder that it's always about the people who aren't there, who aren't able to speak to us or for themselves. The hundreds of people who wanted/wished they could have been at nationals 3) egoless (not about any one person, or team. I don't think people even know who performed the poem. 4) a great way to start a great show.

Mind you, there were other things that occurred prior to our performance but... you know. I was behind the stage.

HIGHLIGHTS


  • marty mcconnell (beautiful for real)

  • rachel ( i mean, why not?)

  • andy f'ng buck.

  • chris lee

  • the charlotte team's eerie stalker/rapist piece, i mean blues's voice coming out of this woman's mouth was mad crazy...

  • boston cantab (the devil piece.. holy crap!)

the following bittersweet highlights



  • my last 2 pieces of balsamic vinegar peperoni pizza from ian's

  • last stroll down state st.

  • last glimpse of all the poets' hanging outside of the theater

  • jumping in a cab in front of ian's, saying good night madison, austin has left the building

  • naming madison wi, madison, texas,

  • actually naming everything and everyone/team that was DEEMED cool as Texas. i.e. St. Louis, Texas. Madison, Texas.

  • the long as drive back to chicago

  • telling the team to walk outside and sit in front of the sky cab so that we could AVOID the three hour lines inside.. i mean even at 3:30 am there is a line.

  • getting kicked out of madison. damn i loved it there. i mean we didn't have a crowd, but man, DIDN'T WE HAVE ONE HUGE WORD ORGY!!!

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