My Thank you to IWPS

Dear friends, family and followers,
Things are going well right now. I just got back from the Individual World Poetry Slam in Charlotte, NC where I gained a whole wealth of perspective on poetry at that level. I finished up 63rd, which isn’t bad, but doesn’t live up to the level I expect from myself. I’m starting to learn that you have to be a rookie sometimes and this tournament was definitely my moment of adversity in which I need to solidify my foundation, evaluate the future and come back stronger than ever. You always hear about great figures getting crushed in there early stages of development in whatever realm they are taking on. So, I just see this as my time. My old high school football coach use to always say “If it was easy everyone would do it. The Hard…That’s what makes it Great.”. Coach Carrol, your once again getting me through some tough times.
I also want to thank every one who has supported me so much on this journey. A special shout out goes to The SpeakOut, Café Cultura, Slam Nuba, Lucifury and Bobby LeFebre for sending me off the right way and being fantastic supporters and ambassadors of the poetry community here in Denver. Big ups to Jesse Parent for taking 2nd , engaging in great conversation and being a kick ass roommate
(That’s My Daddy).
To the 3OH3 Crew: Claire Connolly, we have kicked off what I hope to be a dope ass friendship; this experience will not be forgotten. To Ken Arkind, thank you for being the man that you are. Our community and I are greatly benefitted from it. Lastly, Mr. Ayinde Russell you have been all that a person could ask for. You’re a great coach, leader and friend. Your presence has greatly benefitted my life and growth as a poet.
To all the other poets and people I met in Charlotte, may we let the small seeds we all planted in each other grow. To Tara, here’s to expansion and possibilities, let’s build from here. To my cousin Rona, you have some running to do in Colorado, To Brian Towne, homies forever mang and to everyone else, your great spirits and words are what keeps me going . To Mert’s thank you for delicious soul food and southern hospitality, here’s to Rajon Rondo and Kevin Garnett sitting behind me in the nicest movie theatre I have ever been to, here’s to The Breakfast Club for unleashing my new career in playing the blow up guitar, to melodic ciphers in hotel lobby’s, to Mr. Rudy Francisco kicking my ears ass, to the city of Charlotte for being a dope ass supporter or the arts, to all the PSI volunteers and lastly here is to everyone for waking up every day and fighting for what we believe in. Let’s grow together.
Love&Fight
-Jovan
Things are going well right now. I just got back from the Individual World Poetry Slam in Charlotte, NC where I gained a whole wealth of perspective on poetry at that level. I finished up 63rd, which isn’t bad, but doesn’t live up to the level I expect from myself. I’m starting to learn that you have to be a rookie sometimes and this tournament was definitely my moment of adversity in which I need to solidify my foundation, evaluate the future and come back stronger than ever. You always hear about great figures getting crushed in there early stages of development in whatever realm they are taking on. So, I just see this as my time. My old high school football coach use to always say “If it was easy everyone would do it. The Hard…That’s what makes it Great.”. Coach Carrol, your once again getting me through some tough times.
I also want to thank every one who has supported me so much on this journey. A special shout out goes to The SpeakOut, Café Cultura, Slam Nuba, Lucifury and Bobby LeFebre for sending me off the right way and being fantastic supporters and ambassadors of the poetry community here in Denver. Big ups to Jesse Parent for taking 2nd , engaging in great conversation and being a kick ass roommate
(That’s My Daddy).
To the 3OH3 Crew: Claire Connolly, we have kicked off what I hope to be a dope ass friendship; this experience will not be forgotten. To Ken Arkind, thank you for being the man that you are. Our community and I are greatly benefitted from it. Lastly, Mr. Ayinde Russell you have been all that a person could ask for. You’re a great coach, leader and friend. Your presence has greatly benefitted my life and growth as a poet.
To all the other poets and people I met in Charlotte, may we let the small seeds we all planted in each other grow. To Tara, here’s to expansion and possibilities, let’s build from here. To my cousin Rona, you have some running to do in Colorado, To Brian Towne, homies forever mang and to everyone else, your great spirits and words are what keeps me going . To Mert’s thank you for delicious soul food and southern hospitality, here’s to Rajon Rondo and Kevin Garnett sitting behind me in the nicest movie theatre I have ever been to, here’s to The Breakfast Club for unleashing my new career in playing the blow up guitar, to melodic ciphers in hotel lobby’s, to Mr. Rudy Francisco kicking my ears ass, to the city of Charlotte for being a dope ass supporter or the arts, to all the PSI volunteers and lastly here is to everyone for waking up every day and fighting for what we believe in. Let’s grow together.
Love&Fight
-Jovan