For the Love of Fayetteville: Laminated books, scraps of paper launch two talented poets
po·et·ry/ˈpōətrē/noun
literary work in which special intensity is given to the expression of feelings and ideas by theuse of distinctive style and rhythm; poems collectively or as a genre of literature.
That is the proper definition of poetry, but much like most creative spaces, the literary art form doesn’t fit neatly into one box, lane or style. It’s an expansive place of connection, bravery and vulnerability. It’s gentle, bold, soul-baring and it’s not for the weak at heart — warriors live here.
Society has conditioned us that feelings, emotions and vulnerability are signs of weakness. That’s a lie. It’s a lie we have told over and over, we’ve doubled down, and circled back, reinforcing this narrative that has truly done more harm than good.
More: For the Love of Fayetteville: A Yadkin Road studio for artists — and everybody else
Understanding ourselves, effectively communicating our feelings and empathy is the way out in my opinion.
Poets are the truth: They stand alone on a stage, with no instrument, no backing vocals, no band behind them. Just them and their truth; it doesn’t get more real than that.
Fayetteville’s thriving poetry scene
Fayetteville for many, many years has had a thriving poetry and spoken word scene.
COVID-19 may have put a pause in place for a time, but the scene is back in full force now, and better than ever. Southern Fried Poetry Slam, one of the most notable Poetry Slam competitions, was held right here in Fayetteville in 2018.
More: For the Love of Fayetteville: Cumberland Coffee Roasters grounds success in community
Detour Slam Team is OUR hometown team and is currently ranked 4th in the NATION. To make the team, 12 poets go head-to-head for the coveted five slots. Five random judges select the five poets who will create the team that will perform as a collective.
Team members work for almost a year to write, bond and perfect their pieces. That level of dedication and devotion speaks volumes about the heart of the poets that compete.
In Slam Poetry inspired fashion: “Fayetteville! Who you sending?” ...
El’Ja Bowens: It started with writing
Bowens comes from a family of writers, athletes and musicians — if you are a Bowen, youdo one of those three things.
When El'Ja entered the third-grade class of Mrs. Washam and saw all these laminatedbooks and was told he could make one of his own, a writer was born. Writing is where itall started for him.
A brief pause when he was on active duty led to a rebirth of sorts and a poet emerged.The rest is beautifully spoken history.
In many ways, Bowens feels poetry has given him his life: He found his passion, his purpose, his path and even his beautiful wife. It’s shaped the man he is and fuels his daily life.
A seed looking to grow
Community, connection, and education are the cornerstones of Poetry-N-Motion, which was founded in 2015. Bowens says: “Regardless of where I am, I am still a seed looking to grow.” I think this quote sums him up perfectly.
And grow he does. But he also waters, fertilizes and tills the soil so that others can grow as well. When others speak of him, it’s rooted in a deep respect and appreciation for all the framework that has been laid, the endless mentorship and guidance, countless hours, days, weeks, YEARS of performing and curating events within our community.
Bowens pours endlessly from a seemingly bottomless cup; our community is grateful andabsolutely better for it.
“Fayetteville? Who else you got?”……..
Poetic Zae: It started with scraps of paper
Let’s take it back to Birmingham, Alabama. Long before he even had the knowledge or anyunderstanding of what poetry was, or that poets existed, he had the words, the feelings,the deep-seated need to express them.
Scraps of paper covered in 5-year-old Isaiah’s scribble tucked away in books and drawers never shared beyond his bedroom walls. He didn’t know. He didn’t know there were others like him. He didn’t know he wasn’t alone in his writings. He just knew he had to get it out, had to write it down.
Instinctual poetry, his young little soul pouring out, expressing, feeling yet protecting his thoughts, feelings, hopes and dreams. It was always by him, for him, just a hard-wired need to write, write and then write some more.
He is a beautifully balanced representation of parts that include his overachieving, disciplined and fiercely determined active-duty father; his free-spirited, vibrant mother, whom Isaiah affectionately calls "colorful;" and his steady, solid, loving grandmother.
‘New kid on the block’
He feels like a new kid on the block still, even almost a decade deep into the art. He still doesn’t always reveal this particular side to everyone in his world. He is still pursuing and discovering all aspects of his creativity as, a writer, an editor, a poet and how to balance that all with life.
One thing is certain, he will express himself in some way shape or form — he will express himself. He will grow, evolve, try, win, fail, try again, write about it, share it, learn from it and help others with it.
He is a beautiful light, this refreshing balance of lighting the path while finding his way. He walks in greatness while on his way to believing it.
April is National Poetry Month, follow @eljapoetry, @poeticzae and @distinctlyfayettevillenc so you don’t miss any opportunities to attend the many events and open mics in Cumberland County this month and throughout the year.
Jennifer Radonich is the Community Development Manager for DistiNCtly Fayetteville. She can be reached at jradonich@distiNCtlyfayettevillenc.com or 910-835-5091. To find more information about all the incredible treasures we have in Cumberland County, go to www.distiNCtlyfayettevillenc.com.
This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: National Poetry Month: Fayetteville slam poets share their stories
