Christopher Simpson
bluapple Poetry Programs Coordinator
Introduction:
When I look back on one of the parts of my life that shaped me the most as a person, it wasn’t what most would expect. The old phrase, “Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words will never hurt me” is a far cry from the reality of things. The truth is words can hurt much worse than broken bones, but they can also uplift, inspire, and ignite. As a creative writer, it has been the power of words that has shaped my life in so many ways. I believe poetry is the most raw, concentrated, and potent form of creative writing. Competition poetry was an integral part of strengthening me as a person and shaping me into the man I am today.
1. From Writer to Poet: The Transformation
Before I found myself listening to and sharing poems in the poetry club of my high school, I already called myself a creative writer. In fact, I was a proud novelist with a love for storytelling. Though I knew how to write poetry, it wasn’t something that I was passionate about at the time, nor something that I had really explored. It wasn’t until my creative writing teacher saw the talent within me that she sought out to recruit me to the club. Not only did that club expose me to a completely new side of poetry with spoken word, but it was the catalyst for some of my most memorable experiences in high school. That club was my gateway into the Louder Than a Bomb Florida poetry slam competition, the biggest youth poetry competition in Florida!
2. Finding My Voice: How Poetry Gave Me Confidence
Stepping into the world of performance was one of the most terrifying, yet rewarding, experiences of my life. I’ll never forget the first time I performed a poem on stage, which happened to be during the team finals of the competition. Suddenly, my words weren’t just lines on a page, but a message I had to deliver with conviction. The experience helped me to get more confident with my voice, not just when performing, but in everyday conversations. It wasn’t just about public speaking, but believing in the depth and value of what I had to say. Facing the audience with my work helped solidify my belief in myself and my perspective, making me significantly more confident as a person overall.
3. Community Over Contest: Building Connections in Competition
There is a common phrase we use in the bluapple Poetry Network community: “The point is not the point, the point is the poetry.” While winning is usually the goal in any competition, I quickly learned that the true reward was the space to be heard and the connections created. I made lasting friendships with fellow participants from across the state. Despite being contestants, I genuinely felt like I was with the other performers, not against them. Louder Than a Bomb exposed me to a talented and supportive community of like-minded individuals, all using their voices to make art. That shared bond of vulnerability and creativity forged a true sense of belonging.
4. Beyond the Stage: Financial Opportunities Unlocked
My involvement in competitive youth poetry served as an unexpected portal for professional growth. It opened up incredible financial opportunities for me, such as working with the Pro Football Hall of Fame and being hired to write and perform pieces for the city. Crucially, the Jason Taylor Foundation was first exposed to my talent and got to know me through these competition spaces, which eventually led to them hiring me as a teaching artist and promoting me to my current position of Programs Coordinator for the bluapple Poetry Network. Now I have the fulfilling opportunity to pour into the lives of young poets, and give them the same support and guidance that I received! Even outside of the foundation, this experience aids my coaching business, Quality Quill Coaching, allowing me to teach others how to find power in their own words and performance.
5. The Journey, Not the Win: Dedication to Excellence
To succeed in a poetry program like ours and compete at a high level, practice is essential. Practicing my pieces again and again until I had something perfected really helped instill a dedication to excellence in all areas of my life. Preparing for the poetry slam strengthened my work ethic immensely. Working with a team built a desire not to let my teammates down, fueling a collaborative effort towards a shared goal. That year, we ended up winning the competition for the first time in my school’s history. But even in that moment of victory, I realized the win wasn’t the most important part—it was truly the journey, the growth, and the personal commitment to striving to be the best, for myself and for others.
Conclusion:
A pen wrote the words that I had to share, a mic gave me the opportunity to breathe life into them, and an organization, a community, a family, believed in me and gave me their relentless support. Words are powerful, they really are. Competition poetry gave me the space to experience that power, and forged me into a stronger version of myself. If you want to experience it for yourself, or your school, reach out to us about our bluapple Poetry Network to learn about our programming and competitions. We would love to welcome you to the family!
