Learning Lines

I’ve been practicing these lines since 4.30 this morning

But no one gave me the slightest bit of warning

As to how long they would take to get into my head

By the time I’ve got them sussed, I’m sure to be dead!

I’ve read the lines aloud to really hear what they are

And repeated them back, thus remembering so far

But I had to look again, at those lines that escaped me

As there is always that verse that wants to roam free.

I’ve been for many walks speaking the poem out loud

Had many strange looks, I’ve even drawn in a crowd.

Some listened as I repeated again and again

Probably hoping that I would eventually, find my Zen.

None of it is working, what the hell am I going to do?

The LAMDA exam is tomorrow, someone give me a clue!

I’ve tried recording the poem and rewinding it back

Listening to it bit by bit, filling in the gaps.

So this time, I think, I will try something new

Find a friend I can practice with, who will give me the cues,

Who will correct me, hopefully, on all my mistakes

And go over those areas and do all that it takes.

If this doesn’t work, then I will keep trying to find

A method well rehearsed in the learning of lines.

Practise! Practise! Practise! Is all they keep saying,

But it’s not them with their hands clasped, on their knees praying.

Nothing is helping, I’m giving up and going to bed

I’m hoping these demanding words, stay planted in my head.

If I wake in the morning and the poem has gone astray,

I’m going to read from the book, I don’t care what they say.

It’s morning already, I’m anticipating the worst

Please let them be there, I don’t want to be cursed.

Maybe my dreams have snatched them away

Turned the words into images that have chosen to stay.

Ah! But that’s it! I’ve cracked it now, can you see?

I’m remembering the images and now the words flow free.

Line by line, spilling their rhythmical dance,

I’m finally ready for the exam, I just might stand a chance.