Finding the Poetic High: Building a Spoken Word Poetry Community and Culture of Creative, Caring, and Critical Intellectuals.

Abstract

Underneath dim light of our transformed classroom, the sea of middle school youth goes wild with cheers and applause. Lydia spurts up like a splash of water from the crowded couch that sits in the middle of what we call the “Lyricist Lounge.” She drizzles onto the miniature stage and glistens underneath the spotlight that illuminates each poet who takes control of the mic. Placing her piece on the music stand, she now frees her hands and arms, allowing them to dance in synchronicity to the rhythm of her words. With natural sass tugging at her smile and right hand on her hip, she pauses briefl y to command attention and gather the thoughts needed to introduce her piece. As silence sweeps the room, Lydia gazes out into her audience. Finally, she releases her soul.

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