To Parlé or Not To Parlé

It's a privilege, not a right, to be able to do what you love for a living. Some people are blessed with so much talent, yet confined by 4x4 cubicles or behind a register. When you have drive and dedication there is no telling what one can do. You never know, you may end up on a country wide tour. And that is exactly what poets Marcus Wright and Kesed have been doing over the past few years with the Parlé Poetry Tour.

I expected that their performance at the Fordham College at Lincoln Center (on Wednesday, April 21, 2010) would be a good one. I was excited to listen and watch these artist perform their work, and do what they love. And to no surprise, I was not disappointed. I enjoyed every moment of the show. Not only did the poets display their work, but they incorporated everyone in the show by talking and vibing with the audience. When the show was over, I had the pleasure of meeting the poets of Parlé. Here's what we talked about...

How did you get started with poetry?
Marcus Wright: People started to ask me about my feelings. I wanted to say things but I couldn't conventionally communicate.
Kesed: I have 3 brothers and 2 sisters so growing up I didn't get attention. I began writing and in fourth grade, my writing began to improve. I didn't start performing until I was 16.



What allows you to create?
Marcus Wright: I like to get away...create my own place, and think the way people don't want me to think.
Kesed: Life. Living freely. Not being prohibited. An artist is given the right to create their own reality.

If you could compare poetry to anything, what would it be?
Marcus Wright: Love. I try to put love in everything. Love hurts sometimes; it makes you happy, and sometimes it doesn't make sense.
Kesed: Life. That's what it is. Like a subway train with different people, poetry is a glimpse into someone's life.



If you weren't performing poetry, would you rap?
Marcus Wright: I don't like the term "rap". I would talk my life and perform short stories. Rappers are plastic.
Kesed: I would rap, but It would be uplifting. I'm not into selling candy cuz' that'll give you diabetes, but I'm not into selling broccoli either. Maybe broccoli with cheese. I don't want people to die from the stuff I'm giving them, so I want to provide a healthy medium.


Kesed, Eye see that you're pretty artistic, How has art inspired you?
Kesed: I'm attracted to eccentric things. Art continues to push different levels of consciousness. Art inspires evolution and evolution inspires art.


What are 6 things you LOVE?
Kesed:
- Love
- Women
- Baby sister
- Mother
-Family
- Wisdom, Knowledge, Understanding

What are 2 Things you LIVE for?
Marcus Wright: The Advancement of African American people and making art known to the world.

What are 5 Things that INSPIRE you?
Kesed: Water because it can take any form, gentle or rough.
Kesed: Nature, in humans. I'm amazed by creativity and stupidity. Sometimes you have to do something stupid to get something creative.
Marcus: Everything I see, that's why I really feel [bad] for blind people.
Marcus: People who have thoughts and don't speak their mind.
Marcus: Parlé


So why should we Parlé with you?
Kessed: I cant answer that. It's like the matrix, you gotta see what it is and then you'll know, and make your decision... I mean I could tell you, but you couldn't believe me.
Marcus: It's an experience and sound that you've never heard and you can't find it anywhere.


I also had the chance to meet with Kevin, the man who began the Parlé Poetry movement. Not only does he work with the Poetry Tour, but he also publishes a print magazine. If you're ready to Parlé, here's how


http://www.parlebookings.com/
http://www.parlemagazine.com/
Facebook.com/ParleWithMe
@ParleWithMe

TeAM elleELLEeye
Interview by: DANiE
Spread Love. Live Life. Be Inspired.
Proud supporter of
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

7 comments:

  1. Anonymous said...:

    Good interview

  1. Thanks. Wish I could've been there. I love that they compared poetry to "Love" & "Life". They're answers were good.

  1. Anonymous said...:

    I don't agree with that "rappers are plastic" line. That's like a rapper saying "poets are plastic". the interview was tight though.

  1. Anonymous said...:

    I appreciate the art of poetry. Thank you for interviewing more poets.

  1. DANiE said...:

    Yea it was a fun interview :)

    Oh and When Kesed said "rappers are plastic", I think he was using it as a metaphore. Literally wrappers are plastic so he made it a pun and used it for the interview.

    Glad you all enjoyed the interview

  1. Anonymous said...:

    Who came up with the questions?

  1. Ja said...:

    I like

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