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Liz Love World

A Reflection from a Traveling Poet

Writer's picture: snapsupsnapsup

Updated: Apr 9, 2024

To me, spoken word poetry is like the rebellious cousin of traditional poetry—a free spirit that refuses to be confined to the musty pages of a dusty old book. It demands to be heard, felt, and experienced in all its vibrant glory. It is poetry with a pulse, poetry with attitude, poetry that dares to challenge conventions and break down barriers.


What I love most about spoken word is its accessibility. Unlike other art forms that may require specialized knowledge or resources, spoken word is as approachable as a bowl of cereal on a lazy Sunday morning. You don't need a fancy degree or a library card to appreciate its beauty – all you need is an open mind and a willingness to listen. Because, at its heart, spoken word poetry is about sharing stories of joy, pain, triumph, and heartache and finding connection in the shared experience of being human.


But perhaps the true magic of spoken word lies in the connection it fosters among the poets. These vibrant communities, with their unwavering support, encouragement, and guidance, have been the cornerstone of my growth and development in the world of spoken word. As I reflect on my journey as a spoken word poet, I am filled with gratitude for the profound impact these nurturing communities have had on me. In the vast landscape of spoken word poetry, there are often hidden gems – tiny havens where budding poets find their voice, hone their craft, and discover the transformative power of words. For me, two such sanctuaries stand out: The Speakeasy Sisters writers group and Coffee Underground's Say What Poetry open mic.


I vividly remember first stepping onto the stage for open mic. The air was thick with anticipation, and the room pulsated with energy. Here, amidst the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, I discovered the true magic of spoken word. The open mic provided me with a platform to share my poetry with the world, connect with fellow poets and audience members, and experience the transformative power of spoken word in real time.


It was there that I met Sam, a fellow poet whose words resonated with the raw authenticity of truth. Together, we formed a writers' group called Speakeasy Sisters—alongside another poet, Gina, whose poetry was as real and unfiltered as her soul.


In the sacred space of our writers' group, we poured our hearts onto the page, sharing our stories, our fears, and our dreams. We encouraged each other, challenged each other, and celebrated each other's victories. As we continued to perform and develop our craft, we discovered the true power of spoken word—the power to heal, to inspire, and to unite. We reminded each other of the magic that lies within our words.


As I continue to walk the path of spoken word poetry, I carry with me the lessons, the memories, and the friendships forged with my Speakeasy Sisters and all the poets at Coffee Underground's Say What Poetry open mic. They have shaped me into the poet I am today. Thank you for fostering, teaching, and nurturing me as I found my voice.


Love, Liz

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