_________________________________________
     /      -Winter Solstice Poetry Slam-      \
     |           -December 20, 1999-           |
     |  Recorded & Edited by Aubrey McMichaels |
     \___http://pages.prodigy.net/aubreymcm/___/



Siri Macallan exclaims, "Welcome everyone to the FOURTH Annual Winter Solstice
 Poetry Slam!"
Siri Macallan says, "I love this event, even when it's small, and I'm really happy
 to see you all."
Siri Macallan exclaims, "So let's start!"
Siri Macallan exclaims, "The first person up is Jennifer Plumley!"
******************************************
Jennifer Plumley stands up to address the assembly.

Siri Macallan smiles at Jennifer Plumley.
Jennifer Plumley whimpers.
Jennifer Plumley says, "Since when?"
Jennifer Plumley says, "Okay...well, this will be good..."
Jennifer Plumley grins.
Siri Macallan grins.
Jennifer Plumley says, "Okay...this has been written in...under 15 minutes, so bear
 with me."
Jennifer Plumley grins.
Jennifer Plumley says, "No title as of yet...here goes nothing."
Jennifer Plumley clears her throat loudly.
Jennifer Plumley says, "Hmm..."
Jennifer Plumley recites:

    "While sitting and laughing, surrounded by friends,
     I wonder and ponder this question.
     Who are the people I love and I hate?
     The answer, I'm afraid, is astounding."

Jennifer Plumley recites:

    "I give not a list of who are my friends,
     I give you a list of their qualities.
     The things that I think of can only, at best,
     Be said to be fond, lasting memories."

Jennifer Plumley recites:

    "There's Kara, my aunt, who through good times and bad
     Has been by my side to assure me."

Jennifer Plumley recites:

    "Kept me from killing my mother at times,
     And lent me the dress for my wedding."

Jennifer Plumley recites:

    "There's Jesse, my most loved and hated friend,
     About whose sanity I usually wonder.
     Though he's usually quite fun,
     He mostly just drives me nuts with his teasing."

Jennifer Plumley recites:

    "The last person I speak of, I miss a whole lot.
     I'm sure that you all know of him.
     My beloved husband, Laurence the Spud:
     The island isn't quite the same without him."

Jennifer Plumley recites:

    "There are too many names, too many faces,
     To give them the recognition they deserve.
     I have only one thing left to say to the island,
     I love you everyone, and Merry Christmas!"

Jennifer Plumley wrinkles her nose.
Jennifer Plumley bows.
Siri Macallan opens the floor back up for general discussion.
******************************************
Siri Macallan exclaims, "Jesse, you're up!"
Siri Macallan calls the assembly to order.  After a moment the crowd quiets down.

Jesse Jones stands up to address the assembly.

Jesse Jones paces back and forth.
Jesse Jones smiles.
Jesse Jones recites:

    "My poem is called The Night Before Christmas on Morada."

Jesse Jones recites:

    "'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the Island
     The tourists were stirring and the spirits brightened
     The merchant stockings were given out with delight,
     In hopes that Santa Merchant soon would come that night"

Jesse Jones recites:

    "We were all hanging out in the pub,
     While at the Brownstone sat the clue club
     Dave eating his cheese, and I drinking my booze,
     Had just settled down for my out of body snooze"

Jesse Jones recites:

    "When suddenly a heard a loud noise from the street,
     From inside the Pub I jumped up to my feet
     Out of the bar I flew like a flash,
     Tore open the doors and threw Shreve some cash."

Jesse Jones recites:

    "The moon shined on the bus stop sign
     As rumors about that night ran through the grapevine
     Rubbing my sleepy eyes so I could see it clear
     It was a little sled, and some small reindeer!"

Jesse Jones recites:

    "With a little old man, I recognized an instant,
     That this energetic and swift guy was Santa Merchant
     He was not alone, his helpers they came,
     They laughed and they shouted, and he called them by name,"

Jesse Jones recites:

    ""Now, KARA! now, TERRA! now, SARA and NINA!
     On, MIRANDA! on AMANDA! on, MORGAN and GINA!
     To the top of the balcony! to the top of the roof!
     Took to the air with a push from each little hoof!""

Jesse Jones recites:

    "As palm trees that before the hurricane sway,
     Up went the reindeer to the airway,
     And landed gently on the pub with a skilled stop,
     Their sled full of gifts, made from Siri's sweatshop!"

Jesse Jones cowers away from Siri Macallan!
Jesse Jones recites:

    "Then in a second I heard the sounds from a' top the pub
     The mumbling under Santa's breathe, as his toe he did stub.
     Down Santa merchant came with a cartwheel, that turned into a flip-flop,
     He got back up and smiled, I knew he was not hurt by the blacktop."

Jesse Jones recites:

    "He wore all red, from his head to his toes,
     And he carried a t-bar to fend off the thug foes,
     An overstuffed bag he did bring with him,
     It held many gifts, and was filled to the brim."

Jesse Jones recites:

    "His eyes were beaming and his dimples were cute!,
     Cheeks were flushed, his nose as red as his playsuit,!
     His little mouth was closed up tight,
     And a beard that was milky white"

Jesse Jones recites:

    "His little pipe was lit bright red,
     And the smoke circled his head
     He had a broad face and a round belly that was tan,
     That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of flan."

Jesse Jones recites:

    "He was obese and hairy, a cheerful old dude,
     He gawked as Amanda J walked up in the nude
     A gag from his mouth and glance at her pose,
     I laughed has he dressed her in permanent clothes!"

Jesse Jones recites:

    "Everybody ran here beeline,
     We all made one big line,
     He spoke not a word, but opened his list,
     Everyone took turns reading their checklist."

Jesse Jones recites:

    "Damien wanted a bottle of moonshine,
     Kelsey got a dress with a short hemline,
     And Shonna got a little pink fan
     While Danie wanted a new man."

Jesse Jones recites:

    "Some people asked for levels or noto
     Mel just wanted a Ben Affleck photo
     Soon the ordering was done
     And so seemed was our fun"

Jesse Jones recites:

    "Has he took his list, we all said Thank you
     Then the time came for us to say adieu,
     He smiled and said to us his goodbyes,
     He waved as to the sled he did rise,"

Jesse Jones recites:

    "He jumped to his seat, and took the reins,
     And away they all flew like fast airplanes.
     But I heard him exclaim, has he soared out of sight,
     "MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD-NIGHT!""

Jesse Jones bows.
Siri Macallan opens the floor back up for general discussion.
******************************************
Siri Macallan exclaims, "Jon, it's your turn!"
Siri Macallan calls the assembly to order.  After a moment the crowd quiets down.

Jon Garfield stands up to address the assembly.

Jon Garfield says, "Well, I had an idea similar to Jesse's, but a slightly different
 take on it.  This is also based on "'Twas the Night before Christmas", and it was
 inspired by last Friday's--"
Jon Garfield coughs.
Jon Garfield says, "--events."
Siri Macallan chuckles.
Jon Garfield recites:

    ""'Twas the Week Before Christmas""

Jon Garfield recites:

    "'Twas the week before Christmas,
     And all through the isle,
     Not a tourist was stirring,
     Cause there were hurricanes for a while."

Jon Garfield recites:

    "The stalkers were hiding
     In the jungle with fear,
     With hopes that the weather
     Soon would be clear."

Jon Garfield recites:

    "The perps got arrested
     So they could be celled,
     With visions of safety
     Till the storms had been quelled."

Jon Garfield recites:

    "The miners in the mines
     And apparitions in the caves
     Were spiritually unsettled
     By the wind and the waves."

Jon Garfield recites:

    "Then from the park,
     There came such a chatter,
     As the pouring rain
     Made the squirrels scatter."

Jon Garfield recites:

    "Away to the trees,
     They ran in a hurry,
     Chased by the hooligans
     Who also began to scurry."

Jon Garfield recites:

    "The wind blew around
     The still-falling rain,
     Making rusty the cars
     Left parked in the Lane."

Jon Garfield recites:

    "Then, what wandering 'round
     The park should there be,
     But a pickpocket mob,
     Looking for dropped money."

Jon Garfield recites:

    "The henchmen hid out
     In the alleys of French
     Waiting for the moment
     The rain wouldn't fall another inch."

Jon Garfield recites:

    "Those vapid old thugs
     Of course didn't run
     Into the buildings and hide--
     They thought it was fun."

Jon Garfield recites:

    "On Soler, on Bellemer,
     On Seaside, and Flame Tree!
     On Ocean View, on Trafford,
     On Bains, and Discovery!"

Jon Garfield recites:

    "To the top of the curb,
     Rain filled each street.
     Now splash away, splash away,
     Splash with both feet!"

Jon Garfield recites:

    "And so I exclaim,
     Before I end this today,
     "Have a Happy Solstice,
     And a Great Y2K!""

Jon Garfield bows.
Siri Macallan opens the floor back up for general discussion.
Jon Garfield says, "The script skipped a verse though"
Jon Garfield recites:

    "But the storms weren't so bad,
     Because without them,
     I wouldn't be standing here,
     Reciting this poem."

Jon Garfield says, "Was supposed to be the second to the last verse"
******************************************
Siri Macallan exclaims, "Silvana, you're up!"
Siri Macallan grins.
Siri Macallan calls the assembly to order.  After a moment the crowd quiets down.

Silvana StoneSkye stands up to address the assembly.

Silvana StoneSkye says, "Well, as opposed to the previous poems, mine is actually
 serious.. "
Silvana StoneSkye says, "I wrote it for a friend recently after her father passed
 away."
Silvana StoneSkye recites:

    "Turn your face unto the sky
     The sun's blissful rays
     Is the warmth of his hands
     Upon your face"

Silvana StoneSkye recites:

    "Basking beneath the alter's glow
     With the one you love hand in hand
     He will follow you down the aisle
     And give his blessing..."

Silvana StoneSkye recites:

    "Look into your newborn's eyes
     And the first smile the child gives
     Will be of the pride he feels
     Towards both of you"

Silvana StoneSkye recites:

    "Dream yourself a thousand dreams
     Of vivid memories and the future
     He will always be your
     Greatest muse"

Silvana StoneSkye recites:

    "Walk along your life's path
     Knowing you are never alone
     That he is guiding your
     Every step.."

Silvana StoneSkye recites:

    "Until you are together again...."

Silvana StoneSkye bows.
Siri Macallan opens the floor back up for general discussion.
Silvana StoneSkye says, "Thank you"
******************************************
Siri Macallan says, "Julia was next but looks like she had to leave."
Siri Macallan says, "Manolo, you are next."
Siri Macallan smiles.
Siri Macallan calls the assembly to order.  After a moment the crowd quiets down.

Manolo Santana stands up to address the assembly.

Manolo Santana says, "Im going to call this one Corporate Christmas"
Manolo Santana recites:

    "Here comes the holiday season full of good fun"

Manolo Santana recites:

    "And yet i feel sad with apprently no reason,my spirit coming undone"

Manolo Santana recites:

    "As i walk alone on the streets,i see young boys offering to shine my shoes"

Manolo Santana recites:

    "And now i know the reason that cant set me loose"

Manolo Santana recites:

    "I smile and feel guilt"

Manolo Santana recites:

    "I see elderly folk, not in a good home,but in a rotting quilt"

Manolo Santana recites:

    "And here i am wishing i get something good for christmas"

Manolo Santana recites:

    "And there they are just getting by life,i wonder,is this kismet?"

Manolo Santana recites:

    "Can there be something done about the top tier being wealthier than the rest"

Manolo Santana recites:

    "This is christmas! and yet each corporation tries to be the best"

Manolo Santana recites:

    "Giving?! thats for the commercials folks"

Manolo Santana recites:

    "St nick or jesus doesnt rule here,everyone is our for themselves,like thieving
 rogues"

Manolo Santana recites:

    "So i walk on and toss a few coins to the beggar and feel good"

Manolo Santana recites:

    "Feel ok like a guilt-ridden yuppie should"

Manolo Santana recites:

    "But what can i do?forego personal success? can i give as well as receive?"

Manolo Santana recites:

    "Or am i bound to be like the rest even at christmas time? living like as a
 suited up thief"

Manolo Santana recites:

    "There has to be a balance...some countries have...so can others"

Manolo Santana recites:

    "Ah but i have to go home now...and "give" to my paid for lover"

Manolo Santana says, "thank you"
Manolo Santana bows.
Siri Macallan opens the floor back up for general discussion.
******************************************
Siri Macallan exclaims, "Amanda is next!"
Siri Macallan winks.
Siri Macallan calls the assembly to order.  After a moment the crowd quiets down.

Amanda Blair stands up to address the assembly.

Amanda Blair says, "This is just a short bit of prose I wrote for a Christmas
 card...I though it might be a nice way to end the slam.  Not really for judging."
Amanda Blair recites:

    "Like the dove flies, High above a troubled world, Let us reach upward, Above
 ourselves, To touch friend, And stranger, In the sweet, Gentle gesture, Of peace."

Amanda Blair nods.
Amanda Blair says, "That is it.  A simple thought."
Siri Macallan opens the floor back up for general discussion.
******************************************
Siri Macallan exclaims, "It's Bryan's turn!"
Siri Macallan beams happily.
Siri Macallan calls the assembly to order.  After a moment the crowd quiets down.

Bryan Hit stands up to address the assembly.

Bryan Hit grins.
Bryan Hit says, "this is a poem written by a friend of mine. i could never write
 this well, but the poem is one that really stayed in my heart after it was give to
 me recently."
Bryan Hit recites:

    "Friendship is priceless
     More precious than gold
     A friend's hug can warm you"

Bryan Hit recites:

    "When the world gets too cold
     Through the years and the tears
     Strong friends can survive"

Bryan Hit recites:

    "It's the love in their hearts
     Which keeps them alive
     No matter the struggles
     No matter the fears"

Bryan Hit recites:

    "Throw away all the anger
     Wipe away all the tears
     When you see your friend next
     Take a hold of their hand
     And be thankful for the friendship
     That you both began."

Bryan Hit smiles fondly at everyone, his eyes twinkling.
Bryan Hit says, "i'm done"
Bryan Hit smiles.
Siri Macallan opens the floor back up for general discussion.
******************************************
Siri Macallan exclaims, "Okay, we have our winners!"
Siri Macallan says, "Now each of these awards is small, but it's worth a bit in raw
 metals ... if you get my drift."
Siri Macallan whistles a cheerful tune.
Siri Macallan gets a shining bronze medal suspended from a lush green velvet ribbon
 from inside her awards box.
Siri Macallan exclaims, "Our third place winner ... is Silvana!"
Siri Macallan offers a shining bronze medal suspended from a lush green velvet
 ribbon to Silvana StoneSkye.
Silvana StoneSkye shows a shining bronze medal suspended from a lush green velvet
 ribbon to you.
This bronze medal is fashioned in the likeness of a lovely snowflake, points and
 angles spinning out from the center.  Careful detailing ensures that this indicates
 this medal might be worth a little something -- beyond its sentimental value, of
 course.
It reads:
Third Place Winner of the Winter Solistice Poetry Slam, 1999 -- Silvana StoneSkye.
Siri Macallan says, "Our second place winner is ..."
Siri Macallan exclaims, "Jon Garfield!"
Siri Macallan offers a polished silver medal suspended from a lush red velvet ribbon
 to Jon Garfield.
Siri Macallan says, "And lastly ..."
Siri Macallan says, "The first place winner of the 1999 Solstice Poetry Slam is ..."
Siri Macallan exclaims, "Jesse Jones!"
Siri Macallan offers a burnished gold medal suspended from a lush black velvet
 ribbon to Jesse Jones.
Siri Macallan exclaims, "Congratulations to ALL our winners, and thank you everyone
 for being here!"
Siri Macallan beams happily.