Darkness. Silence. Suddenly a group of indistinguishable figures takes the stage, surrounding the audience with their presence. An outburst of chants explodes from the shrouded figures, bombarding the audience with scattered shouts of the phrase: “This is my voice–This is my voice–This is my voice!” Interspersed between the cheers was a stanza of beautiful original poetry. Following the enrapturing motley of word and sound, the lights slowly rose. “Welcome to WORD. We’re about to go for a ride.” This was my first experience with WORD: Performance Poetry, Yale’s oldest spoken word group.
For those who are unfamiliar with spoken word and slam poetry, spoken word is an art form that seeks to combine the power of voice and performance with the strength of language. Poems tackle any and every topic than can be imagined, from race to politics to bad acne. Regardless of the subject, the honesty of the art ensures that both the performer and the audience leave every show with a new perspective. It is also one of the only art forms where audience participation is required, which can be seen in the way an audience snaps, shouts and praises in the middle of every performance.
I had never had any experience with spoken word prior to coming to Yale. I had seen a YouTube video here and there maybe, but I had never actually written anything. However, as often happens when witnessing a Yale performance group, the passion that they show is infectious. I managed to write my first piece in the opening weeks of freshman fall and became a member of the group.
Spoken word on campus has been my greatest vehicle towards personal reflection. Through the poetry community here at Yale, I’ve managed to explore aspects of my life such as my race, the effects of growing up in a single parent home in Philly, the terrors and benefits of moving, and even a piece about how I’d find love if I were a vampire. Poetry can be about literally anything.
For me, it is an incredible feeling to know that I can turn my voice into something important–a piece of me that matters and affects people. I have learned that if something is significant to you, it is significant period. Spoken word is my way of saying something that inspires. There are many different ways of doing this at Yale. Whether you choose artistic expression, political action, public service or anything other route of discovery, you will always find a way to amplify your words. My outlet has been poetry, and through it I have learned one crucial thing: This is and will always be my voice.
