Writing my poem for the poetry open mic was a highly introspective and self-expression event. Throughout the entire process, from choosing the poem to practicing its delivery, I was engrossed in the potent interaction of words, feelings, and intentions. I was reminded during the process that poetry may be a mirror of the soul of both the writer and the reader. I found the poem I selected to be written by a gifted modern poet whose words spoke to me. Themes of hope, identity, and resilience were examined; these ideas are universal yet highly subjective in their expression. The poetry was like peeling back the layers of my feelings and experiences. Something I had long sensed but never put into words seemed to have been grasped by the poetry I found the poem’s rich imagery and line rhythm to be striking as I read it. Every verse seemed to be pulsing with vitality, guiding me through both periods of reflection and epiphanies. I saw how these sensations changed and developed as the poem progressed, ranging from grief to empowerment. The intentional pauses and flow of the sentences left me feeling both affected and energized. My main goal in choosing to share this poem with the audience was to establish a connection—to close the distance between my emotions and theirs. To everyone in the room who might be able to relate to the poem’s message, I wished to elicit introspection, stimulate thought, and maybe provide a sense of camaraderie. Sharing these lines made me feel like I was contributing not only to my voice but also to the poet’s voice, which was greater than myself. As I was getting ready for the open mic, I couldn’t help but think about the poet’s background and what motivated them to create such moving lyrics. Did they write out of joy, anguish, or a combination of the two? I also considered the audience’s potential reaction to the poetry. Would they perceive the depth and beauty I did? I learned about the transformational potential of poetry through the process of compiling and presenting the poem. It underlined how art can help us connect with aspects of ourselves that we might otherwise ignore as well as with others. I was also reminded by the experience that vulnerability is a strength; it took guts to stand up and share a piece that affected me so strongly, but the act itself was empowering. The open mic night evolved into more than just a gathering; it became a time for humanity and community. It taught me how important it is to take the time to think, feel, and share—qualities that create better individuals as well as better poets.

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