Now, I know what you (might) be thinking: are you talking about classic poetry, like pieces from Robert Frost or Shakespeare? Or are you talking about modern spoken word/slam poetry?
Although I’ve learned to appreciate works from Shakespeare and other classics, my all-time favorite kind of poetry is spoken word.
Here’s why:
1. Because Of Where It All Started
I discovered creative writing club at high school junior year because of my English teacher. It was one of my favorite parts of high school. Each week, we either shared our writing or had a workshop that helped each other on what to improve on. I met a couple people there who both shared a spoken word poem, which I later learned why it was meant for performing.
During junior year, I decided to perform a poem during a talent show during a retreat. This was the first time I performed in front of at least 200 people. The response was filled with love and support from all my peers. I received a standing ovation that night and that night is a reminder of why I love spoken-word and performing so much.
2. For The Love Of Performing
Don’t get me wrong, I haven’t always liked public speaking of any kind—I hated it at one point. But, hear me out: I love it because when you’re performing in front of people, you have your time. You have your time to say what you want to say for the time limit that you have.
I joined speech team this past year and the maximum time that I could take on my speeches was 10 minutes (at least for the events that I was in). But, that 10 minutes was my time and only my time. The audience and the judge couldn’t go anywhere because they had to be there so they have to listen to you.
3. The Words You Say
The words you say can speak to people and it’s a really beautiful thing when people say that they can relate to you. To me, the way words are put together are just like puzzles; sometimes you can’t find the right, but once you do and everything comes together, and creates a beautiful image.
For example, Sarah Kay (my favorite poet) was in a TEDx talk video where she explains spoken word poetry so well. She says, “Spoken word poetry is the art of performance poetry. I tell people in involves poetry that just doesn’t want to sit on paper.”
4. Button Poetry
This YouTube channel is like the home of spoken word. Each day, there’s always a new video about a trending topic or a topic you’ve never heard of. Something that’s really special about it is, even though it’s just through a video, the poets' words, voice, face expressions, volume truly speaks to their audience, both in person and on the internet.
The best part about it is I discovered some of my favorite poets on that channel. Also, the first Monday of every month, they have a livestream of poets perform. There are a panel of judges who rate them, but the emcee always says “applaud the poet, not the score."
It's a community with beautiful people that lets your voice be heard.
Some of my favorite pieces include, "When Love Arrives" by Sarah Kay and Phil Kaye, "OCD" by Neil Heilborn, and "We’re Golden" By Michael Lee.
There’s so many more, but these three stuck out to me when I first discovered the channel.
I've always wanted to express myself in some way, other than drawing or painting and I found it. Poetry is just one art form that I know and love so much.
If it wasn't for my teachers, the opportunities in high school, and the overwhelming support that I have received, I wouldn't have discovered an activity I love. So, thank you to all of those people—you know who you are.
