I’ve not long returned from a festival that takes place in England called Glastonbury. It’s a festival that has been running for 49 years. I always have a wonderful time but this year held onto my heart so much I had to write a spoken word poem about it. I would love to perform this at one of the open mic nights at Glastonbury 2020!
One man’s vision, turned into reality, means dreams you never thought possible turn into pure joy and memories.
Smiles etched onto faces that can’t fully comprehend what happened over the week and weekend.
The pain you go through, walking a few steps, panting and swearing, sweat, bruises and tears individually forming – all is forgotten when you reach your destination. Disembark bags, stretch and breath in the air, soaking up the atmosphere which is buzzing with anticipation of what these days will bring.
You drink in the laughter, the vibes and passion that’s emitted from all over the site as old timers, groups, friends, families and newbies unite. The art, the installations, the beauty throughout you know you’ll never experience anything anywhere on Earth on a level like this.
The areas you’ll visit the miles you walk the dances and hugs and deep heart filling talks. The love that you feel when you look at the land, where magic is real and it’s more than you planned.
You dress up, you dress down, you flutter in and all around with hippies and scousers and oldies and weirdos and celebs the lot. You’re part of the special, the fortunate few who got hold of a ticket as not many do. Lack of sleep, from late nights and heated tents make you feel old. Waking up in a puddle, gasping for water, removing layer after layer after going to bed cold.
Being yourself, dressing how you want without a care in the world. Talking openly about your bowel movements and overhearing people do the same. The stench of the long drops will never become tame. Dancing how you want, when you want and where you want with the artists, the singers, the magicians, the stages.
Wanting this world to be reality. Constantly thanking and praising Eavis and Glastonbury!
The tears that you cry when you have to pack up and carry the load back to your old home. Something inside you will stay alight. Bring on the 50th year and more special nights.
Love Emma x
Have you been to Glastonbury or another festival that makes you feel like this? If so, would love to hear about it.
If you’ve enjoyed reading this post, please give it a like and share. Would love to get this in the eyes of Eavis (Michael or Emily) and get to Glastonbury 2020 ❤️❤️❤️
This Vulnerable life 
I REALLY don’t enjoy stuff like this anymore. I get pretty bored seeing live music, and I always feel like I’m wandering around aimlessly. Add in thousands of people and take alcohol out of the equation and it seems like hell. I like that there’s an open mike though. Is it specifically for poetry or is it music too? I’m asking because I wonder how poetry would be welcomed if people were expecting to hear music. We have a poetry open mic here, but I always worry that what I consider poems would be categorized as creative nonfiction and the organizer (an acquaintance of mine) will get mad at me. I like the language you use to describe the festival.
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I can imagine that it is some people’s form of hell. Especially with all the people. Not the greatest for people who don’t like crowds. The open mic is for all types – there was actually one specifically for spoken word. There’s a circus area and magicians and the cinema and talks too so not just music. Have you been to the open mic near you to see what people are reading? When I went to one it was a great mix – Could you perhaps speak to the organiser beforehand to see if your work would fit? Would be great if you could share some of your stuff (and film it so I could see 🤗).
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