The other was my second or third attendance going to BYOB (Bring Your Own Bars) at Box Park Wembley. As it is Women's History Month (which I have only been made aware of for the past 3-4yrs I think), I had every intention to focus my poetry on that. More so, a young female Poet that I met last time was asking me about a particular poem of mine that I spoke of (W.O.M.A.N Means which I wrote in 2011) in regards to me feeling like I have to be more selective or restrictive about sharing certain poems due to today's social and political climate- mainly in regard to my female empowerment or womanhood poems.
We debated about the sensitivity, moderating, knit-picking and backlash that women get in recent times, while we are up against increasing misogyny from heterosexual men, as well as the increasing political policing from homosexual men, if not the LGBTQ community in general (I see this on social media and in the news on a regular basis, as well as the odd event description to poetry events even).
Much like Comedians, I see and feel that Poets/Spoken Word Artists can no longer perform and share as freely as for example, in the pre-2010's era. However, I do also believe that some performers have gone out of their way to be disrespectful on a public platform where there is absolutely no need. With that said, to a degree I do like that some of those rude unpleasant (verbal bullies who incite harm or terror, not the mild cheeky performers) folk have been reprimanded either through the court of public opinion if not by actual authorities. However, as argued regularly among many, it has gotten out of hand. It is what it is.
The Poet I was debating with didn't quite see my point of view, and considered transgender people in particular (that she knew or knew of) to be completely nonchalant and welcoming of my womanhood poems, as in they are likely to have little to no argument. Other Poets sitting at our table joined in with opposing views. It was a respectful debate among us. For more insight the Poet that I was initially debating with wanted to hear my W.O.M.A.N Means poem that I mentioned as an example of not being willing to perform in recent times, but as I am known to not memorise my poems but to print and carry them with me if and when necessary, I did not have that one on hand at the time.
Assuming that she was a regular at this particular event, I had it in mind to make sure to bring it with me on my next appearance. The celebratory month in question, gave a fine opportunity to just perform it altogether regardless of who felt a way as it is a respectful poem with merit, thus it could be better received (by her) audibly as opposed to just her reading it for the sake of anticipating an emotional response.
Unfortunately, the Poet that I brought that specific poem for wasn't there KMT (Kiss My Teet', not at her but at the circumstance). In any case, it still served its purpose as it both educated and entertained. Turned some people off (seemingly some of young men in the audience) at parts and turned some people on in many other parts, intellectually speaking. I could not help but notice the elevation of audience reaction when I touched on FGM. That came quite unexpected but it was a relief not to have to explain that line.
There weren't many people present on this occasion although it gets quite packed between both the Croydon and Wembley BYOB events, particularly in summertime. In any case there was just enough to get my message out, which I would have done so anyway. The audience was pleasant, mainly Poets who were just happy to perform, share their material and feed off artistic energy. I was the only one addressing IWD and Women's History Month which was interesting. The DJ was spinning a great mix of old and new hits, with an undeniable amount throwbacks from decades past that I thoroughly enjoyed. I saw many familiar faces which is nothing new but always welcomed, especially among fellow Artists. I met some spoken word upcomers who had some wonderful intriguing things to say.
Gained new fans, new followers and a new customer of my book who in turn, their book I also now possess and have enjoyed the few poems that I have read so far (Press Play by Haroon Khan).
I loved it when Aman made a literary yet ironic reference to the Periodic Table, in regard to the corporate and political modern day colonialism of African minerals. It was a very smart stanza he wrote there! It was nice to meet the Self-Love Coach (Aphoenixx, clever name) who recited her inspirational poem. I think my favourite of the night was from a Poet/Actress named Jennifer Rose Welch, who shared a poem about remaining engaged in the art taking place and not just doing it for camera attention, a recording or social media value. It goes without saying that I completely relate to what she was saying, as we discussed later. Jennifer was so serious about her sentiments that she requested that no one recorded her while she performed, in order to fully get her point across. I love it!
I also liked that considering the recent controversies between Miranda Lambert last year I think, and Adele a few years prior calling out audience members with the demand that they put down their phones and enjoy their performance without the technology (which was abrupt, rude and embarrassing for paying concert goers who merely wanted to capture the moment), I appreciated Jennifer's polite way of asking. Each to their own.
This time the BYOB team were doing video interviews with performers for their social media, which was fun. On my interview the lovely Host/Poet (Minnie) asked me about my background, my poetry in general, upcoming projects and any advice for upcoming Poets. This was a fine time to promote my exclusive Spoken Word Concert taking place in a couple months' time, which for now is GUESTLIST ONLY (send me a message or comment on this page for more info).
I was also happy to share advice, as always, about originality and authenticity as I cannot stand and will not endorse copycats or shameless thieves who go out of their way to study and steal lyrics, entire poems or styles of other Artists! No! BE AUTHENTIC, ORIGINAL and REAL, PEOPLE!! That goes for Writers, Singers, Rappers, MC's and all FFS (I am not spelling out that last acronym as it won't be appropriate, you either get it or you don't).
Interestingly enough, that little video clip is becoming one of my most viewed videos on Instagram! I don't even like using Instagram that much (I just mention it often because I have to), and the interview was edited with not that much said really, nothing too deep. So for the life of me I can't figure out why it's so entertaining to others, especially in comparison to my other reels but ok! Thanks for the likes and all the views, much appreciated nevertheless!
Love Lauren ;-)
