The power of poetry

There is little more powerful than the spoken word, and I witnessed its power last Thursday when guest poet J Mase III came to share poetry and encourage students to share as well.

J Mase is a trans and queer person of color—based in Seattle but from New York City—whose poetry shocks with truth. He has written three books, and is currently on tour sharing his work. He also started the first ever talent agency for trans people. He shared poetry that covered everything from gay/trans rights, white privilege, the Black Lives Matter movement, and going on a first date, and he even premiered a new poem about religion. It was eye-opening and powerful to see someone whose words are their weapon, and who verbalizes the feelings and situations that queer, trans, and people of color feel every day.

Another aspect of the evening that was really powerful was how welcoming and encouraging J Mase was to students who stood up and shared their poems, songs, and thoughts with the audience. Many students came prepared for the open mic with papers printed and poems ready. The student poems covered everything from police brutality, to family issues, to writer’s block. Each poem was extremely well thought out, and each had a unique style and voice. J Mase was always encouraging, both before and after the student poet stood up, making sure that they felt supported and welcomed to share their innermost thoughts and feelings.

Students were also welcome to share songs that they wrote or that they felt closely connected to. Some stood up and played instruments, while others performed songs that were meaningful to them completely a cappella. Everyone who was there felt welcome and valued by J Mase, someone who is very successful and well-known, and also by their peers and the rest of the audience. I have rarely seen an audience more encouraging than the one I saw at the open mic.

One thing that was very inspirational about the evening was how people were using an art form to speak truth about societal issues that affected them, and it was really raw and beautiful. While art isn’t the only way to make change, it definitely is one that I think needs to be noticed more. Many artists have used art to incite change historically, and I think the students that stood up to share their truths, along with J Mase, are on the track to make real and tangible change with their art.

If I could sum up last Thursday’s experience in a few words, it would be people telling their stories. These stories weren’t always positive, but that doesn’t mean the people sharing them weren’t happy. Everyone who stood up had something to add to both the night and to society. People were given a voice, a time where they were unfettered in sharing whatever it was that was on their mind, and it was really amazing that the school and the students supported that. I think any chance that people have to get up and speak their truths, as well as to get to know people on a deeper level, is truly something to be supportive of and thankful for.