Essay Reading: The Wrong End of The Stick (live at Say The Thing, June 2026)

The regular Say The Thing open mic that I started just over a year ago features an opportunity for reading of all kinds - not just poetry. Though I’m often first up with a quick poem to get things going. I don’t consider myself a reader there, just the MC. And I read something short to start the night so that the ice is broken; it means no one has to go first — first has just happened. And the first ‘true’ reader of the night can say they went second. No nerves, or at least a reduction. That’s the thinking.But I’ve wanted to read an essay for a while — I have in the past read prose, including short stories and micro fiction. This essay was written a year ago or just over, early 2025 I believe. And it is about my old life as a hockey player, and the time when I clearly felt that coming to an end.If you’d prefer to read it, or wish to read along — it’s here in text form:Sounds Good! is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Start writing today. Use the button below to create a Substack of your ownThanks for reading Sounds Good! ! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Sounds Good! at simonsweetman.substack.com/subscribe