Spoken word poems have been gaining popularity on the internet for their abilities to capture emotions that are usually hard to describe as well as captivate audiences with song-like rhythms. You can find a spoken word that talks about nearly any topic, in part due to the individuality of the artists that perform them. Shaped by their unique struggles and mantras, people can use these poems as an outlet and send a message.
Here are the ones to listen to when you need to be reminded just how special you are:
1. Lily Myers – Shrinking Women
This poem encapsulates the history of women in society in terms of seeking smaller body types, staying silent in conversation and so on. To hear a young woman standing up against the social norms by using her voice and educating the uninformed on the inequality present in our world is refreshing – and a must listen.
This poem focuses on the unrealistic beauty standards that women have been exposed to ever since we were just little girls. It shares the reality that we will never actually meet those standards without losing ourselves and sadly reminds that so many girls experience insecurity due to falling short of unattainable perfection. Katie encourages women of this day in age to look deeper than just the surface to find true joy and beauty.
This poem dives into relationships and the turmoil they can sometimes bring to women. Rather than wondering if we are enough for a guy or the kind of woman a guy could love, Sarah offers the alternative of remembering we are whole without a man and that we don’t need anyone else to affirm our worth. We should be looking for someone to compliment us — not define us.
4. Ashlee Haze – For Colored Girls
This poem packs a powerful punch as it talks about the importance of role models in young girls’ lives. Role models give us something to aspire to and can teach us how to find our voices. Ashlee recognizes the reality that the number of role models young black girls have to look up to is lacking and calls for a change in that status quo.
5. Desiree Dallagiacomo – Thighs
This poem hits deep as it addresses body insecurity and women being defined by their bodies. Desiree turns the negative thoughts women can experience when looking in the mirror to positive thoughts, ones of a body they should be proud of. We should be unapologetic of who we are and force society to define us by other means, instead of attacking us for appearance.
These women are talented artists. These spoken word poems are powerful. Although they each focus on different topics, they can all hit home for what it really means to be a woman: a free spirit, a confident warrior and a fearless conqueror. We can do anything ladies, and the only thing standing in our way is us.