Spoken Word Poetry by NaKeisha Brown

Please tell us a little bit about your most recent work. 

My most recent work has came in the form of prose writing or stream of consciousness.  I suppose some people would consider it a form of journaling but I have never been able to simply journal 

What draws you to spoken word poetry? 

I initially listened to a lot of spoken word poetry on Button Poetry and it deeply touched my soul.  I wanted to be able to do that.  There was a contest on a website I was on to do a spoken word piece so I figured I would give it a try and found that I’m pretty good at it. 

Are you currently working on any side projects such as written work, collections? 

I have binders full of written poetry.  My preference is a form called Dirty Pretty.  I have not worked on it in a long time though.  

Which topics interest you the most and why? 

The dark depths of my mental illnesses at times, or the ways society in general view women.  I like to write about things people don’t want to talk about, don’t want to say and don’t want to hear.  That is the kind of writing that helps me the most both as a reader and writer.  It is therapeutic and it allows healing. 

Do you have any unique rituals? 

In terms of writing, no I do not.  I write whenever and wherever it strikes me. I use to often write in the car while driving and for some reason the curvier the road the better. 

One poet more people should know: Who is it? 

And Difranco.  She is actually a folksinger, however, she does spoken word poetry with music in the background often.  One I love is Self Evident, a beautiful political piece written in 2004.  

Do you find it difficult to get your work out there? 

Yes.  I am honestly unsure of the best way to go about it and where the real market is for others who share the same interests as me. 

Tell us about your day job or your daily activities. 

I am a legal secretary for a criminal defense attorney who also specializes in other fields with the one I’m most passionate about being addiction recovery.  I am a recovering addict, a good portion of my day is spent interacting with other addicts because I believe we can and do help each other.  My main focus is on the women in this area. 

When it comes to poetry, where do you find your inspiration? 

My greatest influences are Ani Difranco, Charles Bukowski, Chuck Palahniuk, and James Keenan Maynard.  When my soul is overwhelmed with thoughts I have a need I cannot resist to pour it out of me into paper, if it doesn’t drive me to that point the thoughts aren’t worth writing down. 

What would you like to tell your readers?

I hope that something you hear or read inspires you to be you.  For my fellow writers I say, write about what you’re afraid to write about the most for it is in that moment I have found freedom.  Don’t follow the rules on how you have to write.  Write the way your soul whispers to you for it is here you will find your truth.  

 

This is what NaKeisha wants us to know about her: 
My name is NaKeisha and I’m a recovering addict above all else.  I can’t pretend to know who I am enough to write an accurate bio, the moment I think I have me figured out I’ve evolved to a different moment in time.  I am passionate about writing the raw and gritty truths and I will not water myself down for the sake of other people’s comfort.