What motivated you to write your poem?

At first I had bad writers’ block. It took me three days to start. I visited my mentor Shanna Gronewold’s house, and she helped me. Every time I saw her perform spoken word or write poetry, I saw how much she loved it. I realized how good of a thing poetry can be. I wouldn’t have started writing or had the courage to perform my poem without her. I had to do it for a school project initially, but in the end what motivated me to make my poem what it became were my friends’ personal experiences – the stories of everyone around me.

How did you feel at the Poetry Slam?

 I was at the Poetry Slam only to support my friend who was going to perform, but she told me before she went that I should read my poem, even though I had never read it aloud, or planned to. I was nervous. I was shaking. I thought it was too long. After a while I got into it, however, and to be honest, I didn’t think I would win, but I felt good that I accomplished something. I felt my words meant something.

Why do you think poetry is important at Park?

It can help with releasing people’s emotions in an open, welcoming environment. It hits our heartstrings, and you want to vocalize those feelings. The Poetry Slam is a worry-free environment and even if people stutter or mess up, they won’t get ridiculed. It’s an accepting place.

What went into creating and eventually presenting the poem?

My poem took a lot of work, and I couldn’t have done it by myself without the support from my friends. I also wouldn’t have had the courage to present it the way I did without their help.

What is your favorite line from your poem, and why?

My favorite line is “experience the truth of the seven-letter word, poverty.” It shows the reality of how people live and how poverty shouldn’t be overlooked.