Realist

This video has been all over my feeds since its release. I eventually got time and watched it today. This piece is raw, abrupt, makes no excuses, addresses tough issues in an eloquent manner.  Emmet Kirwan has unquestionably an exceptional talent. I'm particularly drawn to his work due to his exceptional use of colloquial language. Colloquial language or Dublin slurs have always been something that appeals to me and I have personally embraced with full force. Emmet seems to place similar values on this unique language. The colloquial is welcomely embraced by beautiful poetry combining politics, everyday and women all in one.  Various harsh and tough issues are challenged, from pregnancy, class, judgements. These beautiful words cannot help but provoke various emotions, extremely intense ones at that and in doing so causes any viewer, regardless of their position or views, to reconsider their own views, values and perhaps even their own judgements.  ...

We've all been on a first date where we wonder what to say or if we've said too much. This piece is beautifully performed and expresses all that anxiety we've had at some point.  Sabrina Benaim 'First Dates.'

I looked very heavily into Sarah Kay's spoken word for a project on spoken word around this time last year and she really grew tremendously on me. A poet I just instantly clicked with. The poem I'm going to share is "The Type." I think this poem addresses a considerable amount of very important issues. It's something which resonates quite personally for me. It isn't entirely uncommon that we (humans, not just women) have placed our partner's need before our own, or sometimes it doesn't even have to be our partner, it could be a friend. But in the context of a relationship, Sarah notes that you are not the answer, I myself have believed that I could be the answer or care taker or helper in a few occasions, which ultimately is not my role. (Certainly not in the particular context I'm referring to). At times however, one can become so engrossed and forget this which can ultimately be toxic to our well being. Similarly it addresses experien...

I for one am certainly in need of a mid week pick me up. Having returned to college and already swamped with remarkable readings it's easy to find myself in a bit of a slump. For those of you who haven't discovered Button Poetry on YouTube, I suggest strongly you have a look. There are some wonderful words and minds on offer. This afternoon I'd like to share this particular video as I found it inspiring. Dealing with sexuality, the female body and the struggle both endure simultaneously.

Needless to say I've a soft spot for poetry, spoken word and my home town, a combination of all three was just magical and inspiring. You can't help but feel a little patriotic, if you can be patriotic about a city? As acknowledges on Youtube, Stephen James Smith  recites a beautiful poem by Louis Mac Neice depicting the wonders of Dublin. Giving a myriad of reasons to come and explore. I don't know anything about Louis unfortunately. However Stephen presented at Lingo Festival one of the nights I attended and was wonderful. Worth checking out for any of you based in Dublin. 

This is a very important message from the lovely Kate Nash. I feel as though spoken word does not get enough publicity at all these days, so it was a breath of fresh air to hear it featured in this song. It very powerfully gets the message across - promoting as Kate says self respect among women. I figured I would try to get a video of Kate performing it rather than just a photo of the album cover. Apologies if it isn't the best quality.

Needless to say I'm a fan of all things poetic and artistic, so yes spoken word is included. I recently completed a very insightful (we'll say) module in college on spoken word, although my module dealt more specifically with gender theory. However it gave me a new appreciation for spoken word. This performer is probably best known for his poem 'OCD' which everyone who has seen it will probably agree that it is incredibly moving and unique. He is really growing to become one of my favourites very quickly. Predominately due to his content. I can't help but consider younger student's responses to such emotive spoken word. I always recall sitting in poetry and people saying 'I don't get it, poetry is so stupid.' I think Neil presents a much more accessible form of poetry. Neil Hilborn 'OCD.' Neil Hilborn 'The Future.'