Words. They are more than linguistic combinations of letters that are paired with a sound to make sense of something in the world. We use words to know what things go with which label and how we experience those things. Throughout history, people have used words to create works of art and literature in congruence to how they feel internally. These pieces hold feelings, experiences, and nostalgia to express to others what needs to be heard. Words have moved nations and is the reason as to why we progress as a species. It moves us in a sense that it always us to take away from those words in accordance to our own subjective experience. It is such a beautiful expression in that sense because every takeaway is significant to that of another human being.
Spoken word is a form of expression in which utilizes poetry and storytelling in order to get some kind of message across. Spoken word artists who truly engage in this craft have a certain demeanor to them and it allows the audience to be captivated in emotional ambiance as the words flow from their lips and body gestures. Anyone who watches spoken word often like me cannot get away from the undeniable sea of emotion that these pieces of art depict from their pieces.
Below are 4 of my favorite pieces that took me on an emotional roller-coaster!
*Warning: May be subject to explicit language in some parts and have very powerful messages.
1. Look Up by Gary Turk
This piece really shifts your perspective on media usage and what it is doing our lives. The cinematics greatly depict how a person's life can change if you just become aware of your life and the things you can miss out on. The little moments are the ones we look back on and the ones that can drastically change our lives.
2. Convenience Stores by Buddy Wakefield
This poem's rich descriptive words make you feel as if you are experiencing everything the poet is saying. Poems like this that are so personal always makes me feel a connection to that very thing.
3. Da Rules
This piece makes people face what another goes through and that is important in order to lessen ignorance amongst the collective. I love how these poets make the audience almost feel uncomfortable to be in the position they're in, because they are listening to what is wrong in our society and how big the race issue really is. Execution was key in making this a moving piece.
4. Never Again by Carlos Andrés Gomez
Time and time again I listen to this chilling piece about a dark time in history that rarely anyone knows of. Like most poets, Gomez advocates for those who had no voice and how it needs to be heard. Be warned, streams of tears may fall from your eyes.
The underrated world of spoken word remains an untouched gem for many and I hope you feel moved to explore the vast, beautiful world of this art form.
Energetic dance performance under the spotlight.
Taylor Swift in a purple coat, captivating the crowd on stage.
Taylor Swift shines on stage in a sparkling outfit and boots.
Taylor Swift and Phoebe Bridgers sharing a joyful duet on stage.
