Special to The Trussville Tribune
CLAY — Writers of all backgrounds, genres and levels of experience rallied together Thursday evening to make Clay’s first spoken word night a success. Poems and stories on a variety of topics, ranging from synesthesia, to abuse, to loss, brought the audience to an awed silence.
Spoken word poetry is an art that has steadily gained popularity in the creative arts world. Poetry slams are held all over the U.S., and countless poets participate in competition each year.
The overall goal of this week’s spoken word night was to provide local writers and poets with a platform to express and grow in their art. Speakers mainly performed pieces based on their own tragedy, relationships, and illness. Many say it helps them process through decisions, or heal from grief.
“Sometimes we as artists just need a little push to put ourselves out there,” Tiffany Small, the coordinator of Newspaper Ashes, opened up the night with. “If a novice speaker is presented with the opportunity to perform in a community setting, it may give them the confidence to pursue that passion in a more exertive atmosphere later.”
Small, a stage veteran of 13 years, said she was overwhelmed with pride watching the speakers present Thursday night.
“It’s not easy presenting on stage for the first time. Knowing that the audience is on the speaker’s side, that they want the speaker to succeed, is key to a nerves-free performance,” said Small. “I’m proud of everyone for bringing some of the most vulnerable parts of themselves, in their writing, before a crowd.”
The Newspaper Ashes audience was spell-bound. Within minutes of ending the event, two spectators confessed being inspired to present their own work in the near future. This thrilled the library staff, who put much thought and work into the project. Knowing that the event created a desire for audience members to go home and write their own pieces made it all worth it.
The library was encouraged by such a positive response and hopes to host more spoken word events in the future.