I was blessed to read and perform poetry at the International Elementary School this week with 1st place Talent Show winner Rana Nazzal, an outstanding Arabic Poet and Spoken Word artist!

Some of my favorite questions of the day:

“Can men write poetry?”
TP: Yes, of course!
“When did you start reciting poetry”
TP: “If for Girls” was my first poem recited, heavily influenced by Grandmother and Mother; first small speech delivered at 5 years old
“Why do you write poetry?”
TP: My passion for reading books began at age 8, I love words; words have power and can be used to paint a picture.
“Why did you choose poetry as a way to express yourself instead of soccer?”
TP: Poetry moves me!
“How do you start writing a poem?”
TP: Take my journal with me, observe, record, & create!

At the close of the Q & A session, an African descended young man stood up in the audience, with a leather bound journal in hand, and asked if he could read a powerful piece “Armpit of Doom” inspired by aromatic experiences in his brother’s room; it was quite comical and poignant, he took us there! More children from the M.E.N.A. (Middle East and North Africa) region came with their journals and wanted to share their poetry with me. I listened to three 5th grade girls and one 5th grade boy – it was delightful! Poetry makes me happy, and I feel good about our future!

My Renditions Shared:

The Night Sky
Unknown Author

All day long
The sun shines bright.
The moon and stars
Come out by night.
From twilight time
They line the skies
And watch the world
With quiet eyes.

I FEEL GOOD!
– Adapted from San Diego Rites of Passage Foundation

I FEEL GOOD!
I FEEL GOOD ABOUT ALL THE PEOPLE AROUND ME
BECAUSE I
THINK GOOD
TALK GOOD,
WALK GOOD,
LOOK GOOD
AND IT’S ALL GOOD!

GOOD, BETTER, BEST,
NEVER LET IT REST,
‘TIL MY GOOD IS BETTER
AND MY BETTER –
BEST!

Right Now!

I AM LIVING AT THE RIGHT TIME
AT THE RIGHT PLACE
DOING THE RIGHT THING
RIGHT NOW!
I AM THE RIGHT RACE
RIGHT GENDER
RIGHT AGE
RIGHT NOW!
I HAVE THE RIGHT HAIR
RIGHT SKIN
RIGHT NOSE
RIGHT NOW!
RIGHT LIPS
RIGHT HIPS
RIGHT HEIGHT
RIGHT NOW!
RIGHT SHAPE
RIGHT SHOES
RIGHT CLOTHES
RIGHT NOW!
RIGHT NOW!
RIGHT NOW!
RIGHT ON!!!!!

s.t. porter, 2000