2 minute read
SPOKEN WORD
“We don’t read and write poetry because it’s cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for.”
-Robin Williams - Dead Poets Society
Spoken Word
The Grade 10 English Class invited awardwinning poets and arts educators called “Uncharted” to talk about how poetry takes you on a quest of self-discovery. Patrick Walters, Joshua “Scribe” Watkis demonstrated how spoken word as a performance art can deliver cutting social commentary and loud, unapologetic punchlines.
The students were then tasked with coming up with a topic close to their heart and putting their thoughts to poetry. With titles like: “Procrastination” and “In Defense of Medusa” the students had to then present their poetry in class, and subsequently to the whole school.
In “A List of Advice for New Students” A. Vo suggests that we “One, make nice friends. Two, try to focus on school. Three, set some goals for yourself. Four, let yourself have fun and don’t stress too much.”
Spoken Word
“I won’t lie, I was so nervous going up on stage,” explains student A. Vo who presented a poem called A List of Advice. “It was hard enough to present to the class. Were my thoughts too harsh, or too cringey? But the team at Uncharted didn’t hold back, so neither would I. They were vulnerable and confident at the same time. Showing all sides challenged me to think I could share more personal aspects of life.” “Once I started I felt a connection with the audience. Walking off after my ‘call to action’ ending, I felt super engaged. If my poem touched one person and made their day more positive then I’m happy… And hopefully I’ll listen to my own advice,” she adds.
This has stoked a love for writing in the Grade 10 class. Especially when stressed or down, it’s a good way to process and reflect over thoughts. “I try to write once a week.” says Vo. “Writing as an outlet to tap into myself helps. I never looked at poems as a way to express myself….but I like how poetry can be deeper, nuanced, hide, cover up and share at same time.”
There is much talk in the news about anxiety, and how finding an outlet for stress is key. We bandy about words like resiliency, and offer up solutions like diet, exercise and mindfulness. “Most of the time, these are just superficial words we hear everyday, so this advice loses meaning.” muses Ms. Vo. “Through this deeply reflective exercise with Spoken Word though, what I was writing and saying really connected with those around me. It was made real.”
As we find ways to process our thoughts and emotions and make sense of our place in the world, we know one thing for sure. With support from The York School Fund to bring organizations like Spoken Word, the kids are alright.
