I WON MY FIRST POETRY SLAM!!!!!!!!!

OMG OMG OMG!!!! I  am so thankful. God is so good! 

I had been dreading today because of all the work that I would have to do before I went out. When I got to work I was tired and the day seemed to drag. But somewhere along the way my energy picked up. I got my assignment knocked out early. Left work on a high note, went to an open mic first at that Point Park University holds and OMG it was so inspiring. All these young people, singers and writers and poets, and I was there with them. I felt honored and I was so proud of them.   

From there I caught the bus in the pouring rain to the poetry slam and saw one of the same young people from the open mic there. Some of my opponents were friends in the arts community, the setting was intimate and it was all done in love. 

When I got my final scores I cried. I used to hate slams. I really did. I swore I did my best and I never won. I won’t lie, a part of me was bitter and I stopped going. I was invited to come out by my ex, the sith Lord, who now calls me friend and thanks me for showing him mercy. I still don’t trust him but for the moment his heart seems to be in the right place. 

What is surreal is I’ve gone before him and some of the same and lost horribly. Today I came out a victor and it’s by God’s grace. I’m growing as an artist and it encourages me that I get to encourage others this way. 

Between both the open mic and the slam several people approached me and said that they were inspired. I feel blessed. I keep thinking, “really? by me?! LOL”

The prize was 50 dollars and let me tell you, that when your bank account is in the negative it feels like you won a million! I celebrated with a victory creole chicken sandwich, a piece of sweet potato pie, apple juice, and MILK!!!!!