I recently participated in the 2012 PoetryFest at Milkwood. This event, now in its 3rd season, took place over three days from Friday, March 30 to Sunday, April 1 and included the readings of over twenty poets. This was my first time being involved, and I was quite impressed both by the quality of the readings and the professionalism of the preparations. Although I couldn't attend all the performances, I heard they all went smoothly and, despite SL's quirkiness, I neither crashed nor had any issues hearing or using Voice. Harriet Gausman and Ginger Jorgental, of Virtual Writers, were also immensely helpful in answering my questions and helping me with the textures for my poem's displays.
I read 11 of my poems, all of which featured Second Life. Below, I've included a few of them, as well as a machinima of my performance at the Fest.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnQAa1rPHSs
SL's Cinderella
by Dulcie Mills
She's looking for a SL Man
at all the virtual clubs and bars
checking out the profiles
of all the handsome guys.
She's looking for a prince among the virtual frogs
tangoing on the dance pole
seeking someone to satisfy her
that's her goal
She's trying to find a partner
who really means all those hugs and kisses
flirting shamelessly
shaking those long tresses
She's out to catch an avatar
so be careful if you get an IM from her
She has the sexiest words to say
but they haven't yet gotten her too far
She'd trade an SL wedding
for all her one-night stands.
When she complains about rl and SL men,
all her friends understand.
She's looking for a SL Man
one with no attachments but who has an attachment.
She's hunting high and low for all male avatars in sight
looking for Mr. SL right.
She doesn't require gifts, but will take them if given.
She loves to dance and try out the latest animations.
including the Xcite ones which catch her fascination.
She's a lady avatar on a mission
aware of timezone differences
so every night she joins the party
either at noon or midnight SLT.
She's hoping someone will find her glass stiletto
that she lost while changing clothes from her inventory
A prince, a vampire, a goth, or just one special fella
to live happily every second after with SL's Cinderella.
SL Neighbor
by Dulcie Mills
There's nothing like a good SL neighbor
to help you in a jam
rerezz your house when you accidentally take it down
gives you good advice and doesn't repeat it twice
helps you in any way he can.
There's nothing like a good SL neighbor
one who doesn't block your land
with eyesores or dinosaurs
or holds any sim crashing parties without inviting you.
That's what virtual neighbors are for.
There's nothing like a good SL neighbor
someone who respects your privacy
but opens his doors to you when you need
feeds your virtual pets while you're offline
and sends you notecards that you might like to read.
There's nothing like a good SL neighbor
who always remembers your rez day
gives you plants for your garden or boats for your lake
lets you borrow lindens when you're broke
and never asks you to reciprocate.
There's nothing like a good SL neighbor.
It's so virtually true
that I'm so lucky to have such a good SL neighbor
as you.
Lonely in SL
Just like RL, you can be lonely in SL,
Just like RL, people can hide behind a mask
call it an avatar, call it a face
They can hurt you if you get too close.
Just like RL, people can lie
Just like RL, it's hard to know why
call it life, call it unfair
They can hurt you and not even care
Just like RL, you can be lonely in SL
Just like RL, people play games
call it virtual or call it real,
It's very much the same.
But just like RL, people can be kind,
Just like in RL, there are friends you can find
call it connecting, call it reaching out
Relationships are what SL's about
Just like RL, you choose who you trust
Just like RL, this is a must.
Call it being cautious, call it what you like
Just like in RL, you don't need to be lonely in Second Life
