Spoken Word Poets Visit the US
On Friday, January 15, students in English IV: California Literature welcomed spoken word artist, Viet Mai, to class as part of the spoken word poetry unit. Mai’s time focused on the sounds of spoken word poetry, the source of spoken word poetic ideas, and the traits that we all have inside ourselves to become poets.
Students reflected on their own poetic intentions (or not), and Mai shared several poems and their histories with students. He also gave them the opportunity to critique his poetry.
Students are currently working on individual spoken word poetry assignments, in preparation for our own English IV Spoken Word Poetry Competition. Mai’s visit gave them a chance to see the creative process: from the backstory that prompted the topic, through verbal and written drafts, to the finished product in performance. In particular, Mai noted that the poem’s journey is very often not predictable but that makes it all the more exciting.
The special visit extended into Friday’s assembly, as Upper School English teacher Robin Stewart welcomed three local spoken word poets from Collective Purpose, a local organization that has been hosting spoken word performances in San Diego for 10 years. The three poets—Kendrick Dial, Viet Mai and Rudy Francisco—shared topics as varied and powerful as growing up, world politics, parents, falling in love and the ongoing message of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
