Poetry

The Times front-page story on performance poetry by Larry Green (Nov. 25) was great! I hope it encourages many people to perform or watch.

Performance poetry really sparkles when you add musicians and dancers. The story brought back fond memories of performances I’ve done with talented L.A.-based dancer/choreographer Linda Sohl-Donnell.

As a teacher, I’ve always emphasized that poetry is indeed a performing art. As a writer/performer, I’ve found that good writing well presented (not the boring material found in too many classrooms and textbooks) really pleases people.

Performance poetry and rap music are energetic ways of entertaining and promoting both literacy and lively language. Churches, prisons, schools, restaurants, coffee houses, book stores, bars and parks are all good places for poetry. It’s a myth that people don’t like poetry--they just don’t like to be bored.

HORACE COLEMAN

Escondido