Poet Fest 2021

Thank you, Venue on 35th, for hosting this virtual tour this year!

I call it a tour because we went through so many different voices and so many different worlds. Each poet's pieces took me through a new experience, and I'm so glad and honored that I could be a part of the tour.

During my Q&A, someone asked which I preferred more,page poetry or stage poetry?

Of course, I was speaking in the moment when I answered, but I took some time to think back and really find my answer.

I prefer both.

I will always love and be proud of the poems I write and the books I produce. It's amazing to see my thoughts in concrete form and give to others to read and then share with others. This is a way for me to leave my mark in the world, to leave my voice.

These books are my children, and I hope to have more in the future.

At the same time, there's something exhilarating about reading my poetry out loud.

Some of the poems I write, I can tell that they are meant to be read out loud. I can envision myself on stage, reading the work. But, at the same time, I have a sense of power. When I perform/read my poems out loud, there are people in the area who are listening to me, and I am also listening to myself. I don't do that often.

But performance poetry/reading my poems out loud gives me a chance to really use my voice, use these vocal chords God has given me. It's not just me getting attention and having fun. Getting on stage is a way to finally speak the truth I have kept inside for so long.

Both types of poetry bring me such joy. And no matter what, those stage poems are going to be put on a page.

I have a story to tell.