A human gateway of expression that dates back centuries is where people put words onto a stage and turn it into the offspring of theatre and music. Spoken word poetry has become viral in today’s culture; with so many forms and different techniques there are very few people who find it bitter.
Take Kanye West, considered the most egotistical man ... well ever, finds time to perform slam poetry called "Self Conscious." Talk about irony. As he walks on stage with tags still on his shoes there’s no surprise that he's "the best dressed rapper out in the game." The poem explains how “the people highest up have the lowest self-esteem and his message is how society don't see how celebrities cope with themselves. With rhyme and rhythm, West puts down a dry, sarcastic twist on his performance.
Keep in mind; one doesn’t have to be rich and famous to perform spoken word poetry. Even a child in those unfortunate pre-pubescent years can find a way to express themselves. Seventh grader Asha Christensen shares her thoughts on “Writers Block.” Describing an experience of the worst writers block as she “sees a spark up to grab at [her] hand, stretched out as far as [she] can and… Nothing.” With lots of character she enthusiastically shares her poem, and explains with a whimsical tone how everyone has those times where they can’t seem to find inspiration.
And then there are some people, who take words and find a way to make them into a euphoric drug for audiences even as shallow as a kiddy pool will love. Shane Koyszan is one of those special peoples. In his poem “Crickets have Arthritis” Koyszan shares a story of pure endearment as he describes a story of a “fifty seven pound boy hooked up to a machine” that he meets in the hospital. Koyszan performs the poem with such profound emotion that one can’t help the moisture pooling in their eyes. His message is loud and clear in that no matter how bad things are going, someone else is worse off.
As spoken word poetry becomes more and more popular, these poems and these people will always be remembered. Whether you’re a moronic, rich rapper or an inspiration to all poets, the words one speaks out are an artistic expression that no other art form can capture.
