Tag: Slam poetry

Read Slam Poetry written by slam poets, cowboy poets, and literary giants inspired by the state of Arizona!

“Love, Bacall” by Lauren Perry

February 3, 2025

Love Bacall by Lauren Perry

It had to be you that threw me the matches Bogie,

Each musky growl of my voice,
You couldn’t resist answering my question with a flick of your wrist and a smirk in your eye,
Confidence with a 5 o’clock shadow,
You were the smoke of my cigarette,
How we swirled around each other in celluloid films,
Bringing together big screen royalty Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Bogart!
Our movies would go on to make our love famous long after we were bones in boxes or stars on a sidewalk,
They always called me the smart guy’s gal and I was the perfect exclamation point at the beginning of each of your sentences,
It didn’t matter that I was 19 and you were 45,
I liked your sense of experience and even though I would be your forth wife,
You always said I was the true love of your life, Bogie
Have we not talked lately because I feel like when I run my lines?
You’re pushing me to be better,
Don’t let the wrinkles fool myself because getting old is just another script we have to write ourselves into,
I’ve had to come so far without you by my side,
Two little children to raise and a chin up the Hollywood Mountain,
I could see it shinning from New York City where the theater curtain replaced the silver screen,
Our stay at the hotel Key Largo feels like ages ago,
The last time we’d read a script together and laugh at how seriously we both took our rolls,
Before cancer would take your voice and you had to breathe through tubes,
Your voice once the velvet purr of a bass string now rough coughs,
Defeater by cigarettes at two packs a day,
For 12 years you where my perfect leading man and I would always be your leading lady,
No one could ever replace you for long,
I’ve got the divorce papers to prove it,

Sometimes I sit down to watch un-edited scenes of our conversations together,
Didn’t matter if you were gunning down gangsters or I was steaming the screen up,
Pressed against you with all the force of camera reel clicking behind steel,
The silk of my blouse rising and falling in the tide of “lets never let this moment go”,
But I had to let you go Bogie,
You were dying on the inside!
Getting ready for The Big Sleep in a bigger way, baby
That was the close up that all the world was never ready for you name to headline,

Humphrey Bogart Dies at 57 January 14, 1957!

Did you predict that year on purpose?

Joking your teeth and hair would fall out before your contract with Warner Brothers expired,
Laughing at your immobility when your body weighed all of 80 pounds,
You died with movie stars by your side,
Taken from us far too soon and far too irreplaceable,
So reached in your pocket for the gold whistle you gave me all those years ago,

When we did our first movie together and fell in love, because
“If you want anything, just whistle.”

About the poet Lauren Perry

“Love Bacall” by Lauren Perry is a playful yet poignant exploration of love, aging, and the enduring allure of Hollywood icons. In the poem, Perry draws parallels between her own unconventional romance and the legendary on-screen chemistry of Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Bogart. With vivid imagery and witty wordplay, she reflects on the bittersweet passage of time—acknowledging both the joy and melancholy that come with growing older and the inevitability of change. Her verse deftly blends humor with raw emotion, capturing a love that is as much about memory and identity as it is about passion and defiance.

Discover more about Lauren Perry’s journey as a poet, writer, and performer on her full bio page at AZpoetry.com.

Explore Arizona Poetry by themes

Jonathan Standifird

December 8, 2024

Jonathan Standifird: Arizona’s Versatile Performance Poet and Musician

Jonathan Standifird is a multifaceted performance poet, musician, and creative force whose dynamic contributions have enriched Arizona’s vibrant spoken word and independent arts scenes. Known for his engaging stage presence, innovative musical integrations, and diverse artistic talents, Standifird has left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of Mesa, Phoenix, and Tempe.

Early Beginnings and Artistic Journey

Jonathan Standifird began his creative journey as a performance poet and musician at a time when Arizona’s alternative art scene was blossoming. With a passion for the spoken word from an early age, Standifird honed his craft by experimenting with various artistic forms, blending poetry, music, and theater into a unique style that would come to define his career. His early performances set the stage for a career that would span two decades, during which he became a central figure in the regional poetry slam community.

Performance Poetry and National Competitions

From 1998 to 2018, Standifird became a prominent performer in Arizona, gracing stages at renowned venues such as EssenzaSlam in Mesa, Fair Trade Cafe in Phoenix, and Mill’s End in Tempe. His raw and expressive delivery, combined with his sharp wit and lyrical prowess, quickly earned him recognition among peers and audiences alike.

Standifird’s prowess on the spoken word stage led him to represent Arizona at the National Poetry Slam. Between 2002 and 2007, he competed on teams representing both Mesa and Phoenix, showcasing his talent on a national platform. His participation in these high-stakes competitions not only bolstered his reputation as one of Arizona’s leading poets but also contributed to the growth and visibility of the regional poetry slam movement.

Musical Innovations and Creative Collaborations

Beyond the realm of poetry, Jonathan Standifird is also an accomplished musician. As the frontman of the band Paper Box, he merged his love for performance poetry with a compelling musical edge. The fusion of rhythmic verses with live instrumentation set his work apart, creating a distinctive sound that resonated with fans of both music and spoken word. Standifird’s innovative approach to combining poetry and music has opened doors to diverse creative collaborations, further enriching his artistic repertoire.

His talents extend into the world of independent film as well. Standifird has contributed to several soundtracks for independent and student films, and his occasional forays into acting in independent movies have showcased his versatility as an artist. Whether behind the microphone or in front of the camera, his creative energy and passion for storytelling shine through.

Impact on Arizona’s Arts and Culture

Jonathan Standifird’s influence on Arizona’s arts scene is profound. By actively participating in local poetry slams and cultural events, he has helped shape a community that thrives on creativity, inclusivity, and the fearless expression of ideas. His work with performance poetry has inspired countless emerging artists and poets across the state, establishing a legacy of artistic innovation and community engagement.

His efforts in elevating the art of performance poetry have made him a respected mentor and advocate within Arizona’s creative circles. Standifird’s commitment to fostering talent and encouraging artistic exploration continues to influence the next generation of poets and performers, ensuring that the vibrant spirit of Arizona’s spoken word community endures.

Legacy and Continuing Influence

Today, Jonathan Standifird remains a celebrated figure in the realm of Arizona poetry and independent arts. His career as a performance poet, musician, and creative collaborator has not only enriched the cultural landscape of the region but has also helped to bring Arizona’s dynamic art scene to a broader audience. Through his engaging performances, innovative musical projects, and dedication to the art of storytelling, Standifird has left an enduring impact on the communities he’s touched.

Whether performing at a local open mic or competing on the national stage, Jonathan Standifird’s work exemplifies the transformative power of art to inspire, connect, and elevate. His unique blend of poetry, music, and performance continues to be celebrated by audiences and artists alike, cementing his legacy as one of Arizona’s most influential creative voices.

For more information about Jonathan Standifird and to explore his work, visit his full bio on AZpoetry.com.

Myrlin Hepworth

December 4, 2024

Myrlin Hepworth: Poet, Educator, and Hip-Hop Artist

Listen to Myrlin on Soundcloud

Myrlin Hepworth is a dynamic force in the world of poetry, blending spoken word, education, and hip-hop into a seamless art form that resonates across generations and cultures. As a poet, teaching artist, and performer, Myrlin has dedicated his career to empowering youth and creating spaces for authentic expression. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, he is a prominent figure in the state’s poetry scene, known for his dedication to building community through the arts and his work as a mentor to aspiring writers and performers.

A Champion for Youth and Education

Myrlin Hepworth has long been a passionate advocate for youth empowerment through creative expression. As a teaching artist, he has worked with thousands of students in Arizona and across the nation, conducting workshops that inspire young people to discover and use their voices. His approach to teaching merges traditional poetry with contemporary elements of hip-hop and spoken word, creating an inclusive and accessible medium for students to tell their stories.

Through his educational work, Myrlin has become a sought-after speaker and facilitator, presenting at schools, colleges, and conferences. His ability to connect with young audiences has made him a key figure in cultivating a new generation of poets and storytellers.

Blending Hip-Hop and Spoken Word

A true multidisciplinary artist, Myrlin’s work combines the energy of hip-hop with the introspection of poetry. His performances are a testament to the power of storytelling, tackling themes such as identity, resilience, and the complexities of the human experience. His music and spoken word pieces reflect a deep commitment to social justice, personal growth, and cultural understanding.

In addition to his live performances, Myrlin has produced music and spoken word recordings that continue to inspire listeners. His ability to weave rhythm and language together has made him a standout voice in the poetry and hip-hop communities.

Contributions to the Arizona Poetry Scene

As a resident of Arizona, Myrlin Hepworth has been instrumental in shaping the local poetry and spoken word landscape. In 2009, Myrlin was on the Phoenix Poetry Slam team that was a tenth of a point shy of making the finals stage. His teammates were Aaron Hopkins-Johnson, The Klute, and Ed Mabrey. His involvement with events, workshops, and community-building initiatives has established him as a leader and mentor in the state’s artistic circles. Myrlin’s work in Arizona not only celebrates the power of poetry but also amplifies voices that might otherwise go unheard.

Awards and Recognition

Myrlin’s influence and impact have earned him recognition both locally and nationally. His contributions to education, the arts, and the community have been celebrated in various circles, cementing his status as a trailblazer in modern poetry and hip-hop fusion.

Legacy of Creativity and Advocacy

Myrlin Hepworth’s work is a shining example of how poetry and hip-hop can be tools for change, healing, and connection. Through his performances, teaching, and community involvement, he continues to inspire others to embrace their creativity and share their stories. His contributions to Arizona’s poetry scene and beyond will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.

Ed Mabrey

December 4, 2024

Ed Mabrey: Poet, Performer, and Slam Champion

Ed Mabrey is a powerhouse in the world of spoken word and slam poetry, earning his place as one of the most decorated poets in slam history. As a three-time Individual World Poetry Slam (IWPS) Champion—making history as the first Black poet to win the title—Ed has redefined what it means to connect with audiences through raw, emotional storytelling and performance. His accolades also include being named the 2012 Poetry Slam Artist of the Year at the National Poetry Awards and serving as a finalist in the National Poetry Slam four times.

Mabrey’s Arizona Connection: A Voice in Phoenix and Tempe

From 2008 to 2010, Ed Mabrey left a significant mark on Arizona’s poetry scene while living in the state. During this time, he hosted spoken word events in Phoenix and Tempe, nurturing the creative energy of local poets and audiences alike. Mabrey frequented poetry slams and open mics hosted by Homebase and Jeremiah Blue. Ed Mabrey was on the Phoenix Poetry Slam team with Aaron Hopkins-Johnson, The Klute, and Myrlin Hepworth in 2009. This team placed higher at the National Poetry Slam event than any team from Arizona. His time in Arizona was part of his larger mission to make poetry and performance accessible and impactful in communities across the country.

Beyond Slam Poetry: A Versatile Talent

Ed Mabrey’s talents extend far beyond the world of slam poetry. He is an Emmy-winning performer and actor, showcasing his skills on platforms like the television series Verses and Flow (Seasons 3 and 5). As a motivational speaker, he has traveled extensively, delivering workshops and keynotes to inspire personal growth and creative expression. His poetry has been featured in nationally recognized anthologies, including Spoken Word Revolution Redux, and he continues to mentor and uplift young artists at colleges and universities nationwide.

Poetry, Comedy, and Social Commentary

What sets Mabrey apart is his ability to blend humor with profound social commentary. His performances often navigate complex themes such as identity, race, and resilience, using both wit and vulnerability to engage his audience. This versatility has cemented him as a beloved figure in not only the poetry community but also in entertainment and education spheres.

Legacy and Influence

Ed Mabrey’s time in Arizona and his larger career have left an indelible impact on the poetry and performance world. Through his achievements and ongoing work, he exemplifies how poetry can serve as a bridge between personal storytelling and collective understanding, inspiring writers and performers to find their own unique voices.

Discover more about Ed Mabrey’s achievements and his contributions to the poetry world by exploring his website.

Goldfish poem by Beth May | AZpoetry.com

“Goldfish” by Beth May

December 4, 2024

grandma and I are caught in Loops hi
it’s B I’m good how are you I live in
Los Angeles and I love it traffic’s bad
but it gives me time to think my name
it’s Beth I live in LA and it’s great
traffic I hate it it’s Beth Grandma my
name is
Beth it is a myth that goldfish have a 3
second memory scientist there is
evidence that many fish including
goldfish have memories that last months
if not years one goldfish will call him
Howard just because learn to associate a
specific sound with food and perform
tricks when cued by the sound even after
a f month break no offense to scientists
but it blows my mind that they
know so much about goldfish and so
little about dementia grandma is losing
her memory becoming a paranoid pool
string of racism and worry I am worried
that she has always been this person she
just forgot that she shouldn’t be
grandma is losing her memory and I am
losing my patience I begun to treat
grandma like a goldfish like a
decoration best admired from across the
room not to be removed from her fragile
enclosure like drown on dry land Grandma
used to give the best hugs but now she
clings on for dear life she hates when
people say goodbye but does not realize
that she is the one leaving grandma and
I are both forgetting all the time she
is forgetting my face and I am
forgetting the person she used to be I
forgetting a grandma who is not a bitter
bigot a chore whose words do not disgust
me I’m remembering the fear that I will
be next that hate will bore its way into
me like it did grandma or worse that it
is already here grandma is forgetting
her life and I am forgetting how to love
what she has become we are mourning
Grandma while she is still awake talking
about her and uncertain Whispers as if
she is an unhelpful Prosper clue and the
puzzle that is her life and where we fit
in and where it ends as if it hasn’t
already ended Grandma shows me death
while we are both living reminds me that
I’ll be
forgotten so I memorize the poem and
call it Legacy I miss my old grandma but
call the new one family I forget if I am
losing grandma or losing my
Humanity I catch Grandma in Loops
introduce myself with the unkindness of
pretending I’m somebody I’m not but the
kindness of pretending I’m somebody
worth remembering they say wisdom comes
with age but I think there is a wisdom
in knowing it doesn’t that it can depart
us at any time like a name on the tip of
a tongue Grandma cannot remember my name
does not recognize that I’m caught in
the same Loop she
is hi it’s Beth I live in Los Angeles
and sometimes I feel so
alone the traffic’s awful but it reminds
me that we’re all going somewhere my
name it’s Howard the
Goldfish I’ll remind you in three
seconds that I love
you

Transcribed from the video “Goldfish” by Beth May

About the poet Beth May

Beth May’s poem Goldfish is a poignant exploration of the unraveling nature of memory, as she reflects on her grandmother’s battle with dementia. Through the lens of love, frustration, and the inevitable loops of forgetting, May juxtaposes the scientific precision of a goldfish’s memory with the emotional fragility of her grandmother’s fading identity. The poem mourns a loved one who is still alive but slipping away, while also wrestling with May’s own fears of forgetting, becoming, and the generational echoes of love and loss. It is a raw, unfiltered conversation about what it means to remember someone—and to let them go.

Beth May, a poet, writer, and performer raised in Phoenix, Arizona, brings her deeply personal experiences to life through her evocative and emotionally charged works. Now based in Los Angeles, she continues to explore themes of identity, mental health, and relationships through poetry, acting, and storytelling. You can read more about Beth’s work, including her poetry book The Immortal Soul Salvage Yard and her spoken word album Sunday Scaries, on her author page.

Dom Flemons

November 22, 2024

Dom Flemons: From Arizona Slam Poetry to Grammy-Winning Folk Musician

Dom Flemons, widely known as “The American Songster,” is a versatile poet, songwriter, and musician whose work has made a profound impact on Arizona’s creative landscape. Born and raised in Phoenix, Flemons began his artistic journey in the state’s rich artistic and cultural communities. His evolution from a prominent slam poet in Flagstaff to a Grammy-winning roots musician is a testament to his dynamic talent and dedication to storytelling through both words and music.

Early Life in Arizona and Musical Beginnings

Growing up in Phoenix, Flemons was captivated by diverse musical traditions, from folk to blues, which laid the foundation for his future as an acclaimed musician. During this time, he also began exploring poetry and storytelling as a means of creative expression. Early on, Flemons performed in coffee houses and small venues across Arizona, building a reputation for his engaging performances and passion for traditional American music.

Flemons became a prolific figure in Arizona’s creative circles, producing 25 albums featuring local singer-songwriters and poets, including six of his own projects. These early experiences helped shape his artistic vision and introduced him to the vibrant cultural traditions of the Southwest.

Slam Poetry Days in Flagstaff

Flemons attended Northern Arizona University (NAU) in Flagstaff, where he earned a degree in English. His academic focus encompassed creative writing, Latin, Greco-Roman literature, Shakespeare, and poetry, further enriching his artistic palette. During his time at NAU, Flemons immersed himself in the dynamic slam poetry scene, which was flourishing in Flagstaff.

As a slam poet, Flemons collaborated and competed with some of Arizona’s most notable poets, including Aaron Hopkins-Johnson, The Klute, Logan Phillips, John Kofonow, and Suzy Lafollette. In 2002, Flemons represented Flagstaff at the National Poetry Slam in Minneapolis as part of the city’s slam poetry team, finishing 35th out of 56 teams. His performances were known for their sharp wit, rhythm, and powerful storytelling, reflecting his ability to blend poetic expression with performance art.

Transition to Music and National Success

After making his mark in slam poetry, Flemons returned to his first love: music. His passion for preserving and performing traditional American roots music led him to co-found the Carolina Chocolate Drops, a Grammy-winning group dedicated to reviving African American string band traditions. The band’s groundbreaking album, “Genuine Negro Jig,” won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Folk Album in 2010.

As a solo artist, Flemons has continued to celebrate and innovate within the folk music genre. His critically acclaimed album “Black Cowboys“ (2018) was a Grammy Award nominee for Best Folk Album and earned a Blues Music Award nomination in the Acoustic Album category. The album sheds light on the often-overlooked contributions of African Americans to the history of the American West, blending music, poetry, and storytelling to create a vivid narrative.

Legacy in Arizona and Beyond

Dom Flemons’ artistic journey from the slam poetry stages of Flagstaff to international acclaim as a Grammy-winning musician highlights his unparalleled versatility and commitment to storytelling. His early years in Arizona’s poetry and performance communities played a pivotal role in shaping his creative voice, and he continues to inspire artists and audiences with his dedication to preserving America’s cultural heritage.

Flemons’ work, whether through poetry or music, reflects his deep appreciation for history, identity, and the power of words to connect people. From his time as a slam poet in Flagstaff to his groundbreaking contributions to American roots music, Dom Flemons remains a treasured figure in Arizona’s artistic legacy.

For more about Dom Flemons and his creative journey, visit his official website at The American Songster.

Discover more poets and writers from Arizona HERE.

Joy Young

November 22, 2024

Joy Young: A Dynamic Storyteller and Performance Poet

Joy Young is a versatile storyteller, performance poet, educator, and curriculum development expert whose work is dedicated to amplifying marginalized voices in the literary and performance arts. With a career spanning national stages, classrooms, and community spaces, Joy uses storytelling as a transformative tool for connection, healing, and justice.

Joy Young’s storytelling has been featured on prominent platforms like Button Poetry, Everyday Feminism, and SlamFind, showcasing their ability to captivate audiences with raw honesty and powerful narratives. They have performed at festivals, colleges, LGBTQIA+ events, and fundraising initiatives across the United States.

Known for their magnetic stage presence, Joy has opened for celebrated artists such as Andrea Gibson, Buddy Wakefield, Sonya Renee Taylor, and Denise Jolly. Formerly the co-host and co-producer of The Storyline Slam, Joy cultivated a space for storytelling at Changing Hands Bookstore in Phoenix, Arizona. Recently, they relocated to Chicago, Illinois, where they continue to engage with the local arts scene.

Educator and Facilitator

As an educator, Joy Young develops and leads poetry and storytelling workshops, storytelling circles, and various trainings designed for individuals interested in writing, performing, and teaching.

Joy’s teaching emphasizes trauma-informed practices and affirmative feedback methodologies, ensuring participants feel safe, supported, and empowered to share their stories. Their work fosters creativity, connection, and self-expression in diverse communities.

Storytelling Coaching and Consultation

In addition to performing and teaching, Joy offers storytelling coaching and consultation for individuals, organizations, and projects. Their expertise has been utilized by:

Non-profit organizations for policy, advocacy, and fundraising storytelling
Museums curating narratives into educational formats
Authors and creatives seeking guidance on crafting impactful stories

Joy also works with groups to shape their narratives into cohesive, compelling collections.

Justice Studies and Storytelling Research

Joy Young holds an MS in Justice Studies from Arizona State University, where their academic work focused on storytelling as a tool for empowerment and advocacy. Their capstone project, “Your Story is More than a Survival Guide,” is an open-source storytelling guide designed for individuals and groups. This guide is available for free on their website and provides actionable strategies for creating impactful stories rooted in personal experience.

National Recognition and Artistic Contributions

Joy’s performances and workshops have been featured at leading arts and storytelling events nationwide. Their dedication to using art as a tool for activism has earned them recognition in the performance poetry and education communities. Whether performing on stage, leading a workshop, or curating stories, Joy’s work highlights the profound power of storytelling in fostering empathy and change.

A Mission to Amplify Marginalized Voices

Joy Young’s work reflects their deep commitment to elevating marginalized voices, promoting equity, and fostering understanding. Through performance, education, and advocacy, they continue to create spaces where diverse stories are valued and heard.

For more information about Joy’s workshops, performances, or storytelling resources, visit their website at joyyoung.org.

Discover more poets and writers from Arizona HERE.

“Hip-Hop Republican” by The Klute

November 7, 2024

This poem was a spoken word poem, often performed in poetry slams locally, and nationally by The Klute, and various other members of the Arizona poetry community, sometimes with the audience clapping in beat, and other times with beatboxing poetry performers such as Aaron Hopkins-Johnson or Ed Mabrey. It was originally written in 2007, and some of the references were periodically updated from performance to performance. This version is from 2012, and has slight variations from the published versions found on The Klute’s audio recording version on “Reading the Obituaries Over My Dead Body” and Brick Cave Media‘s published “Hate You Can Trust“.

Republican National Committee chairman Michael Steele
says the the Grand Ol’ Party is in need of a “hip-hop makeover.” I got this.

Yo, I’m a Republican and I come from the street
fresh for twenty ten with an old skool beat
ya’ll used to love us,
but now, not so much
Keith Olbermann thinks the party’s out of touch.
so tonight on countdown, now it’s rhymes that we’re fixin
like the original gangsta, Richard Milhouse Nixon
now we’re making mix tapes
we’re not gonna burn ’em
Watergate taught us lessons
and you suckas gonna learn ’em
gonna pump up the jams, like we did in the 80s
but now we’re not just white, we got some blacks, some ladies
okay not a lot
but at least half a dozen
Alan Keyes, Larry Elder, Strom Thurmond’s lost cousin
straight out the cabin like Abraham Lincoln
but still in the closet in case the Tea Baggers got ya thinkin’
because we’re down with the dirty, but only if it’s straight
that’s why we dropped dimes on California’s prop eight
we’re the party of God
just like the Taliban
over Mullah Omar’s the Reverend Pat Roberson
we got the mormons, catholics, pentacostals too
our Israel support is outreach to the Jews
we support home schoolin’, intelligent design
because dinosaurs and man, were at the same time
we save stem cells, we stop some abortions,
we’re pimpin’ out Jesus in generous proportions
The TV’s turned to Fox News
Rush Limbaugh is pumpin’
check it out o’er here,
Ann Coulter is crumpin
My DJ Adam Smith
call him Ghosthand for short
from the lower middle class
he likes to extort
because it’s class warfare when Mr. Potter gets smoked
when the poor takes the hit,
the markets get stoked
it’s trickle down economics
can’t you understand
the fact that you’re unemployed
has totally been planned.
Wit’ invisible hands,
MC Adam’s laying down the tracks
he’s gonna spin yall out
a motherfuggin flat tax
fifteen percent, fifteen percent, fifteen percent
that’s all you gotta pay
so step off tax man with your 1040A
i got a right to bare arms
and I know how to use it
posse of lobbyists so Im not gonna lose it
I roll with Dick Cheney
so you know Im a killah
cappin old geezers
makin grave land filler
Got glocks, uzis, machine guns too
permit from Sarah Palin to hunt moose at the zoo
like Jennifer Grey in Red Dawn lands,
you’ll only get my gun from my cold dead hands

all the wolverines here say HO
all the wolverines here say HO

Yeah
God, guns and money
you know that they’re with us
so like it says on the coin
who you gonna trust
forget about bush
cuz Reagan is out game
unlike the Gipper
you won’t forget our name

The preceding message was paid for by the Republican Party and is responsible for its content.

and I approve that message because the GOP is hype.
so peace out ya’ll
and to ya’ll a good a’ight!

Did I say peace? I meant WAR.

About the poet The Klute

You can listen to more audio recordings from The Klute from the album “Reading The Obituaries Over My Dead Body“, or read the poem in text form in a collection of poetry called “Hate You Can Trust“. Learn more about The Klute HERE.

“Letter To Summer” by Valence

October 11, 2024

I send letters and Bottles across bodies
of water or folded up and flown over the
Peaks addressed to the summer summer is
a star-eyed space cadet called me
Stardust in the making I wrote back
don’t forget your belly laugh is my
childhood toy chest you taught me how to
speak up gutsy back when I was gunshy31
and a winter as beautiful as Robert
Frost epat since then some car accidents
thick black stitches and outpatient
surgery I now realize we are Playing for
Keeps and I am Sleepless but I still
want hot coffee and good times for
dreamers the heart is fragile shelter
but I want it fresh final steady before
we said I miss you wish you smiled more
you sturdy banister heart monitor
sidekick they won’t play you my glues
forever I won’t always be there to rim
shot your punchline I know because the
stars are in season and they only smell
sweeter the older we get don’t they
there was a time when I wi outed
stargazed with so many questions all
piano glissando and shimmering Christmas
light spinning under willow trees
chasing the fireflies even now with my
ghosts the nightmares of sweet nothing I
once met a woman with her mother’s last
heartbeat tattooed on her wrist and I
realized love could be life’s tender
mercy and keep us strong keep us head
above water keep us heart pumping that
raw ink calligraphy and painting our
dreams on the Twilight streets of
anywhere life sometimes strikes me as
rusher let the way you die younger bear
witness to death with the grace of a
passer by and Perfect Stranger summer
skull curse frights me every sunset
summer don’t remember me Shipwrecked
Only Sunrise Breakfast light is the
pendant that hangs from your necklace
your beauty begets a crowd like an ink
be Stadium still letting off heat and I
know I’ve been the Distortion making
something heavy out of your sweetest
Melody for some time now but no regrets
we are not just our smoke flying Skyward
like a soul from the exit wound born up
by seraphs we are not just our heavy
hearts and solemn goodbyes we are heart
Menders open eyes bright as the moon let
your gaze hold me like high tide sing me
the Blues

Video transcription of “Letter To Summer” by Valence and Ghost Poetry Show.

About the poet Valence

Valence is a slam poet and artist in the Phoenix area of Arizona. Learn more about his work HERE.

Valence

October 11, 2024

Valence: Arizona-Based Performance Poet and New Media Artist

Tyler “Valence” Sirvinskas, known professionally as Valence, is a performance poet, new media artist, and visionary creative based in Arizona. Blending spoken word poetry, performance art, electronic music, and visual art, Valence has become a unique figure in the contemporary poetry and art scene. His interdisciplinary approach brings together different media to craft performances that captivate and engage audiences on multiple sensory levels.

Early Life and Background

Born and raised in Chicago, Valence grew up as part of the last generation to experience life before the rise of the internet and digital technology. This sense of nostalgia for the pre-digital era informs much of his artistic perspective, and he is known for his strong advocacy of finding moments disconnected from technology. His work often reflects a deep appreciation for real, human connection that transcends the screens of smartphones and the noise of constant connectivity.

Poetry Slam and Performance Career

Valence’s journey into the world of performance poetry began in 2011 when he started competing in poetry slams, quickly making a name for himself within Arizona’s poetry scene. That same year, he represented Flagstaff at the prestigious National Poetry Slam, showcasing his talent and establishing his place among Arizona’s spoken word performers.

In 2012, Valence’s performance career hit another milestone when he won the Sedona Grand Slam, earning him a spot on Sedona’s National Slam Team. His work combines powerful spoken word with an avant-garde performance style, often exploring themes of technology, human connection, and the evolving relationship between people and their environments.

Artistry and New Media Work

Beyond poetry, Valence is an accomplished new media artist, incorporating electronic music, visual art, and performance art into his creative portfolio. His performances are often an amalgamation of these forms, pushing the boundaries of traditional spoken word by layering sound, visuals, and performance to create immersive artistic experiences.

Valence’s work examines the tension between old and new, often delving into themes that question the role of technology in our lives, and the impact it has on our relationships and self-awareness. His artistic vision encourages audiences to reflect on their interactions with technology and to seek moments of clarity and connection beyond the digital sphere.

Recent Work and Future Projects

In 2024, Valence self-published a small collection of poetry titled Save It For The Angels. The collection reflects his deep engagement with themes of spirituality, existential questioning, and the influence of technology on modern life. The work received positive reception in the Arizona poetry community for its innovative blend of traditional poetry with contemporary issues.

Looking ahead, Valence has plans to further expand his creative output by launching a fashion line, which will fuse his visual artistry with wearable designs, and continue to push his interdisciplinary vision forward. His artistic goals aim to connect different mediums, creating a holistic expression of his ideas across multiple forms of media.

Impact and Influence

Valence’s contributions to the Arizona poetry scene have helped bridge the gap between traditional poetry and more experimental forms of performance art. He has become known for his ability to blend poetry with new media, making his performances and written works resonate across different audiences. His advocacy for unplugging from technology and creating authentic, real-world connections stands as a central theme in his work, positioning him as both a poet and a cultural commentator.

Through his continued work in poetry, art, and performance, Valence represents a new generation of artists who are unafraid to explore the complexities of modern life, while still holding onto the importance of analog moments and human connection.

Discover more poets of Arizona HERE.