Response #2

Full disclaimer, I did not have access to a copy of this week's readings as I am still waiting for my books to arrive for this semester. However, I did read the link to Morgan Parker’s interview and will write my response based on that until I can read the actual book. Reading other’s responses I tried to get a sense of what this week’s readings would have provided for class discussion and will be mindful of that in this response.

Morgan Parker seems to be a strong figure, unapologetic, raw and true in her own right. Manipulating a reader to think about your thoughts and feelings, to think of your peace, as a message to be conveyed where the main focus is not to be understood but heard. To attempt to engage the audience reading or hearing her writing, or anyone’s writing for that matter, so that they feel your humanity. As I read further I reflected on my own relationship to writing and spoken word, my development and growth in my truth and owning my story alone. My intention in my performance, whether it was in my own voice to myself for comfort or to an entire room full of strangers, my goal was always to leave a piece of myself in that space. To walk away or sit completely still in my essence and know that others were moved spelled success in my mind.

One other thing that came to my mind was the feeling of my writing never truly being complete. This annoying itch at the back of my soul that reminded me I forgot something or wasn’t honest enough. My experience with my writing, specifically my poetry, being a representation of a rock, a hard place, or both, can sometimes be interpreted as an ugly truth, my words have hurt others. But in this process I have acquire many lessons, that it is not only beauty in the eye of a beholder, but judgment.

I wish I could have read this book, as an educator, when I take youth on mural tours we often ask them to think of the abbreviation ATM: audience, technique, and message. To think of what message is being presented, to whom and for what reason, even if you do not have the cultural background to relate, you can still have the humanity to understand your place as the viewer/listener. Poetry, art in itself is to establish a  human connection, because animals do not take them time to smell the roses or think of societal harm/norms, but we as human being have unique journeys to experience and be unapologetic in sharing those truths.

This author is honest in her journey of repetition as it has led to different manifestations of her truth, her story. A final thought that came to mind in reading this interview was the safety or strength we gain in owning our truth. Understanding that it does not have to be said in so many words. Morgan Parker touches lightly on her experience in living a slower paced life and in transitioning to a role of acceptance within that adjustment. I thought of my growth with poetry, how it has become an intrinsic part of how I express myself and share with others, and to have faith and trust in others.