Humbled on the A train

Yesterday I went to the Urban Word Mentor meeting. They are making attempts at building community by having meetings at least once a month. That is always a good thing.

I was in a really weird place yesterday. I was asked to facilitate a performance workshop for some middle schoolers who are going to perform at a poetry slam on Nov 20th for America Scores. The kids were typical kids and they did well. I won't get into what bothered me. Today is a new day and I am over that.

At the Urban word meeting, we had a good time getting to know some of the mentors who are facilitating classes all around NYC. I knew everyone there so it seemed stale to me. We still engaged in conversation and made some very valid points. I brought to the table how all of us at Urban word get spoiled with workshops who have participants who are willing to write, work, learn, perform. Then, we head over to other places expecting that and you are thrown into the lions den of sorts. I've had experience teaching across the board, yet, some kids will put you to the test.

Coming home, Willie Perdomo and I bonded over a ride home on the A train. It was a nice time as I didn't pick his brain and he didn't talk my ear off. Willy could be considered a legend in his own right with all the work that he is doing. Yet, he could be considered a normal dude like all the rest of us. Some of the things that came out of his mouth struck me heavily.

"anyone could craft the shit out of a poem, not many people have a passion or a voice"

That made me think of half the people who I know. These kats read every book and steal every trick possible but there work doesn't have passion, voice, nor drive.

It felt good talking to Willie, especially when he thought my direction giving rant at Urban word was a better example of poetry then the actual poetry being read.

This is a stressful year but I am getting through it.


Fish Vargas