Poets in lyrical revolution take their writing to the stage | Condor Voice

By Tiara Ousley

A poet?s closest friend be their pen and paper. Surrounded by their thoughts and feelings, they often write with speed and until their fingers tire or their thoughts run out. Once they speak, emotions strengthen the power of their words; reviving, encouraging, inspiring, and amusing.

Lyrical Revolution, Curie?s 2012-2013 poetry slam team, performed their work and won the 3rd Annual SouthSide Poetry Slam in December and competed again in March. Although, the poets won and are preparing to keep their title they still haven?t lost that feeling of joy and passion for poetry.

In 2010, Lyrical Revolution, was first created and sponsored by Umbreen Qadeer, English teacher, and coached by Stephanie Steiber. Later, Qadeer got involved in sponsoring the newspaper and Steiber, along with Yenitza Zamora took over and entered the poets into competitions.

After a semester of being with this year?s poets, Steiber has expressed respect for these poets. Steiber said, ?They are a powerful group of women who will make a huge impression in the poetry community this year.?

These poets history and passion for poetry may have played a big part in their slam poetry win.

Cecilia Tate (Div. 308), a three year veteran of Lyrical Revolution said, ?I used to hate poetry.?

Tate explained that in her elementary school years, she didn?t receive much exposure to poetry and has grown as a writer. Tate said, ?I learned to look at writing at a totally completely different format. I can?t stand end rhymes with cliches.?

Sabrina Jones (Div. 332) , who said she?s only been writing poetry since this school year said, ?I fell in love with it thanks to my creative writing teacher [Sophia Lutecki, English teacher]. If it wasn?t for her, I would have never found my passion for writing poetry.?

After Jones? first performance in December, she said, ?It was amazing, at first you?re scared, but once you go up there, you are all poets. The [audience and other poets] show so much support, it was like we were a family.?

Emon McGee (Div. 531), whose own mother is a poet,? has been writing poetry since she was little. McGee said, ?I can say what I want and write what is in my heart without anyone judging me.?

Ashley Ovunwo (Div. 321) naturally got into poetry on her own and has been writing it since elementary school. Ovunwo said, ?[Poetry] is an escape from reality?a good way to express yourself and vent.?

For some students, poetry isn?t their thing or they may feel insecure about their writing, however, these poets encourage students to try it.

Alexjandra Pantoja (Div. 461), an alternative and poet since sixth grade, has joined Lyrical Revolution because of Tate. Pantoja gave advice to prospective poets. ?[You] shouldn?t be afraid of trying out.?

Tate said, ?Don?t be discouraged by other poets, don?t ever feel that your writing isn?t strong enough. You?re going to feel powerful for what you wrote?It can be the best experience of your life.?

Posted by tousley on Mar 12 2013. Filed under Art & Culture. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

Source: http://condorvoice.org/?p=3027

chicago weather star jones photo of whitney houston in casket carrot top george huguely whitney houston casket photo match play championship