Whether you like poetry or not, prepare to be blown away. Poetry is more than just flowery language from an archaic time; it’s a way to express deep truths that transcend words and rhythm. Spoken word in particular is one of the most powerful forms of poetry today and these videos provide more than enough evidence of that.
“Remember How We Forgot”
This spoken word by Shane Koyczan is a wonderful reminder of our childhood and what we might have lost over the years. In this moving piece, Koyczan explores his childhood experiences — many of which we might have shared with him in our own little ways – and laments how differently we view the world once we lose our childlike sense of wonder.
It’s not as dark or depressing as I’ve made it sound. In fact, this performance ends on a high note full of inspiration and motivation. The message is clear: let us not forget that we are each individuals with our own passions and let us remember to live as if we were truly alive.
“Mathematics”
In this piece, Holly McNish thoughtfully arranges a short story that explores the topic of immigration and xenophobia. Despite the politically-charged nature of the subject, she presents a clear and thoughtful stance that ought to ring true with all of us. I’m not one to concern myself with political debate, but this spoken word goes beyond that.
There’s a bit of mild cussing in this one so if you have sensitive ears, you should be wary of that before hitting play. I think it’s worth the watch even so.
“Knock Knock”
Here’s a spoken word that strikes deep to the core, appealing to the inner children within all of us who have ever struggled in our identity apart from our parents. Daniel Beaty recounts his experiences as the son of a prisoner and his lessons are words of wisdom for us all.
The ending might be a bit too saccharine for some, but I found his words both encouraging and motivational. Even if you think the message is a bit corny and idealistic, you can still appreciate the way in which he strings his words together and weaves a short tale. Brilliant.
“I Will Not Let Exam Results Decide My Fate”
The education system here in the US often takes center stage under the crosshairs of my peers. No system is perfect, of course, but there is a flaw that sits deep in the core of many education systems today. In this piece, Suli Breaks explores the question: if we’re all individuals with unique desires, passions, and skills, then why doesn’t the education system recognize that?
My takeaway from this was NOT that tests are inherently bad but that perhaps education needs a paradigm shift at its core. This piece should be especially powerful to those who have always just assumed that schooling is the way it is because “it’s always been that way.” Maybe it’s time for a change.
“What Teachers Make”
This is what happens when your life is driven by passion. With every word uttered, Taylor Mali oozes raw energy and pain — not a self-centered pain but a pain for those around him who can’t see that character, integrity, and honesty are more important than simply making money for the sake of it.
It’s easy to walk away from this video with a higher respect for teachers — at least for the teachers who truly believe in what they do and live to transform the lives of their students, not just teach to a test in order to look good before their peers. Real teachers who have a heart for their students are rare to find these days.
Are you a fan of the spoken word? If you know of any particularly outstanding videos that weren’t mentioned in this list, please share them with us in the comments.
Image Credits: dualdflipflop Via Flickr
I also love the spoken word poet Jon Jorgenson. He has a YouTube channel and his videos have something about them that makes me want to keep watching. I have a YouTube channel called TheSpokenNation that is going to be a spoken word poetry channel and he is the main person I watch for spoken word poetry. I love how personal spoken word poetry is and how when you're listening to someone, you feel like you are really getting to know them because they put so much of themselves into their writing. Truly is a beautiful art form! Awesome post! :)
https://archive.org/details/RainbowAsARadicalWithIslamicState
a video poem that will touch your soul.
You forgot Mark Grist - Girls Who Read.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmEbF2uhsZk
Wow, that was great! The video was good as well. Loved it and agree with it. :)
Gotta include Anis Mojgani!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qDtHdloK44
Sarah Kay: If I should have a daughter
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0snNB1yS3IE
I watched it several times, but I never was able to stop listening...
Thank you Kay F, I enjoyed that.
That was pretty powerful. Thanks for sharing.
I really like the Commencement Speech of Steve Jobs at Stanford University 2005.
I think the first piece was wonderful! :)
I was touched and I cried. If it didn't touch your soul maybe your gate is too old, too cold, so high.
I'm glad you were impacted in such a way. :)
I'm a big fan of much of Henry Rollins spoken word performances. I don't always agree with him, but he does make me think about my feelings on many different issues. Even changed my mind a few times.
There's also a fine line between spoken word and stand-up comedy. A lot of George Carlin, Bill Hicks, and a few others have bits that are poetic and challenging. Good article! Makes me think.
I've had that same thought regarding spoken word and stand-up before. The best comedians really do have a strong grasp of language, knowing how to string words in the right order to evoke an effect on the audience. Very poetic indeed!
They're nice but they didn't touch my soul.
Maybe you don't have any.... ;)