So What is Spoken Word?

I wanted to introduce myself in an unconventional way, get all colorful with my words and say something in 20 words that could be said just as well, if not better in five. But it may not come out as well as it seems like it should so, simply—Hello, My Name is Cierra. OK, so I’m not naturally funny but can I get some props for trying? (Waits for props…) I’m still waiting but I understand this age wants things now. Very well, I will instantly gratify you.

I want to bring you poetry, to those of you who think it must be this classical drone that can never be satisfyingly interpreted and to those of you who know the kind of poetry I’m talking about.



Now that's spoken word.

For those of you who like it formal, and want to know my qualifications, I’ve been writing poetry since seventh grade and started writing spoken word or performance poetry in 10th grade. I’m a freshman in college majoring in multimedia journalism, so please don’t ask me to do the math. Anyway, I was in the spoken word poetry club which doubled as a spoken word poetry troupe, Underground Poets, at my high school, Piper High in Sunrise, Florida. The club became pretty famous in the county.

This unconventional art form brought food to the table that was missing from all of our plates, and unfortunately still is. But to continue the legacy, as all great teachers hope you will do, I put all that I had learned of poetry into application (thanks in large part to Underground Poets club sponsor and teacher Mr. Kanno) and founded one of the newest clubs on Florida Atlantic University’s Boca campus, Unadulterated Poets, with my co-founder Jasmine “SwEEt VenoM” Bailey. Why Unadulterated?

The club got its name from simply a display of the poets’ willingness to just speak. Spoken word poetry has a way of turning shy, awkward individuals fearless. It offers inhibition and a new level of consciousness. If you are unaware of what I mean, I admonish you to stick around the poetry lounge because I guarantee you’ll learn something with every fix.