Spoken word poetry can touch the human soul regardless of age, gender, race and religion – it transcends physical traits and connects people on an emotional level.
I recently had the opportunity to attend the Calgary Spoken Word Festival and watch a Youth Poetry Slam. I have to say that it was a life-changing experience for me.
I watched one-by-one as poets got up on stage and poured out their soul to the audience. They spoke of the power of a girl in a male-dominated society, they spoke of broken relationships, and they spoke of lost childhood innocence in the face of teenage pressures.
There were poets around my age and some much younger; there were poets of all skin colours; there were poets male and female. All these physical traits faded away as their words started to envelop me because I could relate to what they were saying.
I want to promote Spoken Word as a tool to mend broken souls, to inspire our citizens and to connect the community.
Above are pictures of the lovely individuals who were at the Youth Poetry Slam. I apologize for not being able to meet all of you, but you all did an awesome job!
If any of the poets see this, or if you know any of the poets who are pictured, please tell them they are doing something wonderful. Encourage them to continue pursuing the dreams and passions, because that is how the world will be made a better place for all.
On this same note, I got in contact with one of the youth poets and interview them about their experience with Spoken Word Poetry.
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Meet Jessica, an individual who I believe has an inspirational story to tell.
Me: How did you start spoken word poetry? Was there someone or something that inspired you?
Jessica: I actually started quite recently. Maybe a year or two ago. I think it all started when I head the poem “To This Day” by Shane Koyczan. After that is was a train of new poetry from different artists such as Jeanann Verlee, and Catalina Ferro. I didn’t start writing until later, when I had something emotional to write about.
Wow, I remember watching Shane Koyczan’s work too and being amazed at powerful words can be. What is it about spoken word poetry that compels you?
I think it is the extreme beauty in this form of art. I have a theatre background so I’m huge on performance. The thing about spoken word is that you aren’t always just saying words that were given to you. You’re giving your heart and soul to an audience in the form of words, but with a purpose. The most compelling part about spoken word is the way it hits. The way some lines speaks to someone, connects the audience to the poet. You gain an understand from the poet, and the poet, in turn, is understood. That incredible connection is why I do poetry.
Yeah, I can definitely relate to what you’re saying. How has your experience with spoken word help you grow? What lessons have you learned?
As a performer it has helped me connect to the words I am saying, taught me how to pull on the heart strings a bit more. As a person, it’s hard to say. I’ve become more comfortable with who I am, and I’ve been able to share that with people. Poetry has been my outlet though. I have vented so much emotions on paper its ridiculous. I guess, to put it in words, A lesson to be learned from poetry is that there’s something beautiful in every dark situation.
That’s great, I agree. Last question: What words of advice would you give to people who are interested in doing their own spoken word poetry?
My advice: Just do it. Don’t hold back, if there is something you need to say, say it. Writer’s block isn’t about not knowing what to write, but being afraid that your writing will suck. And sometimes it will, but you can’t let that stop you.
Write because you’re passionate about something. If you don’t care about the topic, nor will your audience.
Finally, get out there. Spoken word is meant to be heard. Speaking in front of a crowd can be terrifying, especially knowing that your being judged. Don’t think about the points, do spoken word because you know, somewhere, in some audience, there is someone who needs to know what you have to say. You will be heard.
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That’s the same message I want you to remember after this post: “[…]Do spoken word because you know, somewhere, in some audience, there is someone who needs to know what you have to say. You will be heard.”
Even if you don’t aspire to be a spoken word poet, I encourage you to promote it and also reflect if it’s helped you in some way. Like Jessica, the video “To This Day” by Shane Koyczan is what got my hooked on the art that is called spoken word. So it’s only appropriate that I leave off with his video.
