Renewal

I meant to jump back on the blog-wagon earlier, but winter break (aka the grand frenzy of college applications) got in the way. My poor computer and I were so taxed after that ordeal we practically fell into hibernation. I should probably clarify that I started this blog as a class project, and along the way decided that blogging for myself would be a good idea. I've always wanted to keep a blog -- I guess I needed a little push to get that going. I'm much more comfortable sharing my writing now than I was a few years ago, so that helps too.

Anyway, many things have happened since the dawn of the new year. I'll list a few here:

• I'm taking two classes I've been waiting to take for four years: Genetics and Shakespeare. I actually told my biology teacher on the first day of class how long I've waited to take Genetics, and from the look on his face  ("I'll have to work extra hard, then!"), I'm still not sure if that was the best idea (He was the one who asked, though -- my overly excited comments must have given something away). In my eagerness, I made the same mistake during Shakespeare class as well. The first play we're reading  is the Merchant of Venice
•  Today I took my school stage for the third time (and unfortunately, the last time) to recite poetry in our Poetry Out Loud contest. Last year, I was planning to do the same poem ("Sheltered Garden" by H.D.) , but the stress of standardized testing knocked the wind out of my sails, and I thought it best to take a break.
• Update: Look, an email alert -- I won my school contest! This is amazing, and not what I expected at all, given the many beautiful recitations of my peers and classmates. There is something nice about winning after years of learning and performing poetry, especially since this is my last shot at Poetry Out Loud in high school.
•  There is something magical about hearing poetry aloud  -- it just feels right. Performing poetry feels even better, like you and poet are one, like the poem has assimilated itself into your being, blossoming out through your voice in a whirlwind of words. I wonder how it would feel to perform my own poetry, but I don't think I'm quite that comfortable with my writing just yet.