By Cameren Jones
I started writing poetry in the 5th grade after my teacher gave us an assignment to write about what made us different. I also had a wild imagination and found writing was an outlet for my vivid thoughts that paints my mind different hues of unique. I continued writing over the years and then another opportunity came for me to read my poetry aloud in class in the 9th grade. Of course I was nervous because I definitely don’t fit the description of a writer or someone that expresses their emotions in such an articulate manner. However, when I read aloud in class I felt as if a weight had been lifted off my chest and that’s when I realized I need to get more involved. I was influenced a lot by Tupac, Langston Hughes, various music artist, and Edgar Allen Poe. Tupac and Poe connected with me the most because they both had lived rough lives just as I had and I felt a strong connection with their writing styles. Once I knew my writing style for sure I began to put everything I felt on paper and it just flowed as if it had been waiting to come out for some time. I then began to do poetry competitions. My first was at the peace center in which I was chosen out of all of S.C to compete against the final 5. I was only in the 10th grade and my competition was all college students. I felt so many different emotions but when it came time to perform I truly felt at home on the stage. That was my first slam win and I was ranked #1 youth poet in S.C. From there I went on to do many more competitions and even went to nationals my senior year and took 3 place in the nation among all ages of poets.
Tags: Cameren Jones
1 February 2012 at 3:10 pm |
I loved your blog post and how it reminded me so much of my own beginnings as a writer. It looks like 5th grade was the magical time for young poets to find their voices! I really admire the way that you are able to perform your art. It has always been so challenging for me to read aloud any of my work, let alone compete against people much older and experienced than me as you did! I think that’s so amazing that you not only did that but won! I also was reminded of finding such a relief in writing, the amazing feeling of putting that pen to paper (I’m old-fashioned and like to do my writing on paper before I type it, especially my poetry) and having the words flow out. It’s one of the best feelings in the world.
1 February 2012 at 7:41 pm |
It’s fascinating to me that reading aloud in a public setting is where you found comfort in writing. I too enjoy reading my work aloud (however, I have never tried slams), but there are so many people who find public reading to be the most difficult aspect of writing to overcome.