What was extremely interesting about each poet was their different backgrounds and what influenced them into writing poetry. The first poet, named Khadijah Queen, came to love poetry when she was in her undergraduate college, studying Walt Whitman and Ezra Pound, which I have studied in High School as well. The second poet, named Hermine, a professor in William and Mary University, was influenced into writing poetry by her mother (taught her music), who died in a fire when she was younger, the third poet and also my favorite, named Jamal, was influenced into writing poetry through Hip Hop music and culture, and the final poet, named Natalie, was influenced into writing poetry through basketball and her two brothers, ones in jail, and the other a crystal meth addict, as told by her. Natalie was also the most unique because she was a Native American, which is the first actual Native American I have actually met. I also loved how each poet spoke differently. Khadijah Queen spoke with a low pitch and very softly as if she was almost whispering in some ways. Hermine spoke very eloquently and more professionally, as well as sing in her poem about her mother's tragic death. Jamel spoke with deeper tone and a faster pace, which was one reason why I liked his poetry so much. The last speaker, Natalie, spoke very naturally and laid-back. Overall all four poets made an impact according to the material and style that they presented in.

I also agree with Jerrica in that Khadijah Queen's, the first poet to perform, poem named "White Teeth" captured the total attention and drew in the audience with each phrase. Her story behind writing this piece was very tragic because it was about her friend being gang raped by her "boyfriend." The first line as she said, "ask a woman who has had her nipple bitten off if she like it." This very beginning already made everyone in the audience in their faces go: WHAT?! Did she really say that in a poetry reading??? However, this beginning had a positive effect because it held the audiences attention throughout her poem. (I have a copy of this poem if you like I could send you it.)

Hermine, the second poet to perform, also had a tragic story to share; however, she made it very interesting by singing. As she illustrated her history of her mother teaching her the basics to sing the musical scale: "Do-Re-Mi-FARRR..." She shocked me because I was getting use to her reading her poem; however, she came out singing parts and reading the other parts.

Jamal, the third poet to perform, was my favorite. He was extremely laid back and was very friendly. His poem was amazing in that it flowed and flowed on with no stops. At times he would slow down like a R&B jam and at other times, he would speed up like a RAP song, which also represented his love for Hip Hop. The poem about war was very inspiring and chilling at the same time because he stated that war effects everyone, whether small or big. You really had to be there to experience his message and impact strongly.

Natalie, the last poet to perform, was very interesting. Her poems that she read to us were mainly about her two brothers. However, one of them was about herself, an Native American celebrating a American holiday, Halloween, which is why I shall be talking about this one. She spoke largely of how her mother tried to integrate her into the American culture as an "Indian girl." For that specific Halloween, Natalie dressed up as a stereotypical Indian girl. However, she was made fun of by her white American friends, as she told us. Afterwards, at the end of the poem, her mother told her to be a tinkerbell next Halloween to avoid the fight with the other kid's mother, who ridiculed Natalie.

Ultimately, the poetry were like music to my ears. Whether the poet actually sang or not, the words brought the poem to life. All their poems flowed like rhythm in a song.