Jae Nichelle - "Friends With Benefits" @WANPOETRY (TGS 2017)

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Jae Nichelle performing "Friends With Benefits" at the 2017 Texas Grand Slam Poetry Festival.
Check out Jae on Twitter!
/ croptopassassin
Write About Now:
WANPOETRY is a community-oriented collective of poets that meet at AvantGarden in Houston, Texas every Wednesday at 7:30 PM with the purpose of providing a multimedia platform for poets to share their work.
For more about Texas Grand Slam please visit www.texasgrandslam.org

[@Snair__M]

"What happeneds to a black girl who's too anxious to feel like magic, can she still fly. Can she be fly? I felt that 💔😢

[@kuwanapeden5264]

sinenhlanhla mathenjwa 💯

[@ForeverZettaXX]

sinenhlanhla mathenjwa felt that

[@dejarooffener1271]

Yesssss

[@josephvalentine7]

So wht thoughts came to mind ?

[@jorevelpensador5823]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3PLgWmcbqp_nrM

[@nediarose3267]

“If I become silent it’s because I have to fight with her before I can fight with you” I am in tears

[@saraspivey1129]

molly dukes SAME

[@londadukes5078]

I found other dukes lol

[@itsjustsisters1565]

Same

[@navaehw.2750]

Ugh I know that feeling so well, i don’t remember the last time I had the chance to stand up for myself...

[@bigphatemergy]

this. i withdraw from so many people because of my anxiety or whenever I don’t feel reassured enough. romantic wise especially. clingy never got me anywhere, so i subconsciously trained myself to never ask for reassurance anymore no matter how much I need it. thus ultimately ending with me & my anxiety to, self isolate, overthink & ‘weigh things out’ instead before getting back to the other person /:

[@Queenbrieee]

"and if i am silent for a while..... it is because I have to fight with her before i can fight with you" 💕

[@saraspivey1129]

Jamie France 😭

[@antjr6929]

You I really like that part. But people really believe they have the answer to someone else. Just parasites people are really like leeches sad that most people act like children but love to say they are adults.

[@giabrooks2717]

I felt that... Amazing

[@edwinimmanuel2041]

You probably dont care at all but does anybody know of a trick to get back into an instagram account?? I stupidly lost the login password. I would appreciate any tips you can give me!

[@gmaglorious3536]

🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋

[@tishannamoore]

This poem literally made me feel so vulnerable that i teared. It felt like a reflection of my soul. My self trying to balance out different extremes of my personality.

[@lia.lia.lia.]

same!! please tell me i'm not the only one who cried watching?

[@Gigi502.]

Tishanna Moore fax

[@chriscastro9955]

I cried too

[@antjr6929]

That's awesome a lot of people like to run and hide from the things that hurt than standing up to face what's hurt them inside. (just bury things that doesn't deserve your light)

[@lofarm7290]

I hope you all find ways to crush your anxiety and be free again. You all deserve a reprieve and to know your worth. I’ve struggled with anxiety since I was five and it still flairs up, but my husband helps me exorcise that ghost. Be well!

[@ccpr15]

“Don’t rock, don’t shake, breathe.” Literally every minute of my life. 🤯

[@darra_hobb4741]

The way my mind races sometimes 😢 constantly playing back situations, conversations, over analyzing every action and reaction

[@ccpr15]

@@darra_hobb4741 absolutely

[@marvelamalone7814]

When I need people to understand my anxiety I'm going to tell them to watch this video ... Bet

[@autumnmiller123]

Marvela Malone I wish I could like this 20 times👏🏾👏🏾

[@okterlox0]

Marvela Malone Hey Sweetheart. I've got a suggestion for you. Please try to memorize this. Pick a favorite part. And then perform it to yourself in the mirror. Do it til you can put your whole self into it. I think you'll be amazed by how it changes you.

[@Liz-tj6du]

That's what I just did

[@saraspivey1129]

k jay YES!

[@yelimyriam7826]

♥️

[@sammysammyson]

"I think the reason my relationships don't work out is because no one knows they're signing up for a threesome." That one hurt. I mean, the whole poem hurts, but that and the lines right after about deconstructing and analyzing everything you say...they left a mark.

[@lizcarter9409]

Samson Raines Same

[@tyavabates8632]

GIRL!!!! *throws my shoe* 👟👟👟 She killed it!! 🙌🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🙌🏾

[@gigibeal]

Tyava Bates hands down

[@nikkikissem8712]

🤣😂🤣 listen!!!

[@seantryce7402]

Right. She is ill!!

[@blackbarbie202]

Lol. Not the shoe lol

[@princesspoetess775]

Tyava Bates Not your shoeeeeeeeee😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@dajanaiexford5068]

“When everything you say to us will be repeated deconstructed and analyzed in our heads a Million times after” literally!! 💔

[@StonedKoala420]

Right..me with literally everything someone says 😔

[@darra_hobb4741]

Yessss 😭😭😭😭

[@LengendaryLove]

Tearsssss

[@shaniahnicole8866]

“I think the reason my relationships don’t work out is because I don’t think no one realize they’re signing up for a threesome” this was just a perfect representation 💜

[@jorevelpensador5823]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3PLgWmcbqp_nrM

[@darra_hobb4741]

Wow 🎉

[@lightworker9517]

I'm here in 2020 for the umpteenth time because wow🙌❤️

[@blackempressxempressdevine5658]

Same

[@gem4294]

I've literally saved and shared this for two years. And everytime I watch this reminds me that I'm not the only one that needs to breathe. Blessings on blessings 🌻

[@christine-97]

This literally is my Truth...the most relatable poem yet

[@tashularockett3281]

This video helped me more then the suicide line

[@saraspivey1129]

Tashula Rockett WHOA!!

[@yrjnji]

deadass. suicide hotline ain’t shit.

[@lofarm7290]

Tashula Rockett how are you now?

[@lishthefish57]

...than*

[@Gigilovehugs]

True it helped me too

[@jennydelise2871]

"As I speak I am fighting against her weight that is on my shoulders, and that is why I shake when I speak sometimes. I have to fight to stand up straight" ugh yes, me every time I have to speak up or do a presentation or say an idea I have

[@adorn5854]

I’m the same why and I’m still trying to fight it but it’s just to heavy but I try every single day

[@FriendlyKat]

I always find myself coming back here in times of hardship. Times of anxiety. Her words means a lot. More than what one could truly express. Her parts where the anxiety shows and she must say “Breathe” is honestly one of my favorite parts. It will be okay. If you’re reading this: You got this. Breathe.

[@jorevelpensador5823]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3PLgWmcbqp_nrM

[@andreaceaser8050]

Thank you❤️

[@awanamorris8086]

my whole soul is moved

[@kyngzeyephotography3482]

When sis said, "what happens to the black girl that's too anxious to be magic?".... I felt that in my soul!!!

[@moniqueharrison316]

Right?!

[@chisomo7826]

My soul has been translated

[@Matt_cat59]

“What happens to a Black girl who’s too anxious to ever feel like magic” I feel this in my soul every time

[@jorevelpensador5823]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3PLgWmcbqp_nrM

[@sarahw8210]

❤️❤️ she says it so well, in a way I can't. I can tell she put a lot of work into this and I appreciate it

[@lavernfoster1598]

Her anxiety probably made her re write it over and over again. I know it too well, very relatable like how I am erasing and typing again this comment

[@bleech-itedits1786]

You can also put a lot of work if you can believe in yourself more like she does.

[@onessisgarza9035]

“Because of her i still think no one else will ever want me...”

[@mishatheewriter]

This is how I feel!! This is remarkable!! I can relate to everything she said!!! AMAZING 💗✊🏾 👏🏾🙌🏾

[@jamescameronfrancisco1295]

everytime she says the word breath!! it makes me gasp for air too!!

[@shatoriarenee1406]

James Cameron Francisco me too my anxiety couldn’t take the heat

[@lizarapp243]

James Cameron Francisco it was entirely too relatable. Because I do have to remind myself to breathe. She maaaade you feel that, and anyone with anxiety knows it all too well

[@HamAndBeef13]

I am in tears. I feel so much for you right now. That you fought through your anxiety for this outstanding poem. I suffered with sever anxiety and panic attacks for 3 years and it grew into agoraphobia. Thanks to the Good Lord above He set me free from that. I pray you conquer your long term relationship with anxiety. You don’t belong there. I don’t even know you and I love you. Thank you for sharing ♥️

[@mahlakurams6600]

Draaaaaagggggg my anxiety and me.. Define us😭

[@Jshump-no5ln]

This is how I am feeling as I sit in the doctors office trying not to make eye contact with anyone

[@jorevelpensador5823]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3PLgWmcbqp_nrM

[@plotakiotrionqui2116]

This wasn’t acting, this was a human being expressing her soul. She tells the story of my life on that stage, this is like reality on display; I am so blessed to witness such glorious art. You are amazing, thank you 🙏

[@deashiamoore8533]

I'm crying like a baby I never knew it was other people out there who felt the exact same way as me ...

[@standup4change]

"I know how hard it is to live with both of us. When we don't like feeling out of control. When we don't handle conflict well. When we don't handle being yelled at well. When everything you say to us will be repeated and deconstructed and analyzed in our heads a million times after." That part cut me deep! 😔

[@chocolatwist]

My son has Asperger Syndrome that comes with social anxiety and a lot of what she says remind me of him 😥 thank you for sharing

[@alulawilliams2523]

see, THIS is possibly the MOST accurate representation of a person with anxiety, or how it feels like

[@ritagitonga7637]

I swear i have lost count of the number of times i have listened to this masterpiece 👌 , were i told to describe my anxiety and what i feel everyday of my life , what would be more descriptive than this ? 🔥 🔥

[@Shaunthepoet]

"What happens to a black girl who is too anxious to feel like magic" Whoo!!!!! 💪🏽

[@elizabethecho4061]

I love how she wrote a poem about her anxiety and how it affects her relationships and emotions. You can see in the video the way she moves her hands how passionate she is about what she wrote because it’s something she faces daily.

[@jesshicks91]

This is one of the most realistic things I’ve ever seen. I’ve watched it so many times because it speaks so much truth. Anxiety is awful, I hate it so much, it’s taken so much of my life and left me broken so many times💔

[@Alyx2321]

I felt like I was holding my breath throughout this piece, like I could feel the grip and clenched fist of anxiety... I'm all too familiar with that feeling. Thank you for your truth and transparency...

[@MzJazzy123100]

This poem really speaks to me 😭😭😩. Amazing!!

[@fauxdauteur]

What a talented and beautiful woman. She looks like she would've been a 90s R&B star or A-list actress.

[@Shazianne]

And I thought no one would ever understand. People always say there's nothing to be nervous about, say that I'm over-reacting, over-thinking. But it's good to know that Anxiety is cheating on us. It's good to know that there are others who understand the torture she/he puts us through. I'm glad Jae N. shared this. And thank you, Write About Now

[@wanpoetry]

Hi Shaziane, thank you for sharing. We're glad this video resonated with you. We're noticing this video recently picked up a lot of traffic. Do you mind if we ask where you saw it?

[@jadamarie2598]

My anxiety and I have what some people might call a friends with benefits relationship. We have no love for each other, but she she still just kinda fucks with me sometimes....

[@andrea.dandelion]

Loved the poem... And loved the audience! I hope the supportive cheers helped make her feel more at ease

[@KittyDaCat585]

This was so amazing it’s exactly how anxiety feels for me, like it helps be understand myself better

[@VannahMassan]

“I know how hard it is to live with both of us” hit me so hard I started crying

[@spicynicole5211]

This poem is ME! :(

[@MzJazzy123100]

Erica Nicole Right so true

[@alejandraojeda-riga2023]

same..

[@ranasiaclark8030]

Same I was just talking about it with my cousin.

[@tonyaturner8555]

My God! My God! It’s as if she read my mind! Tears and finger snaps!!!!!!

[@alexisjanea]

I just found a screenshot of this video in my phone from 2017. This video still hits till this day. WOW...

[@mikehurt1709]

I quit toastmasters because of my anxiety. This makes me want to rejoin. Absolutely amazing 😉

[@kjartz8649]

This poem resonated with me on such a deep level. My anxiety fights me daily and nothing is more frustrating or exhausting than trying to explain to people every single day "what's wrong" with me. Thank you for articulating my struggle. You did something that I probably never will be able to do. Thank you

[@taskareejazbatoonki4869]

Ohh girl ! What a fine piece of reality and tragedy and magic , all mix n' match combo !!!

[@melissasmith7745]

Very thing here speaks volume of every different personality that’s going on in us before we can overcome what actually going on in our presents

[@melissasmith7745]

If I could give y more than that one thumbs up I would

[@christinedelarosa9549]

Most relatable poem...thank you sista ❤️

[@bbg7383]

brought me to tears! i love people who look like me, who FEEEL like me! thank you sis💕

[@steviesosa5617]

Right!

[@VannahMassan]

The last part, I burst into tears everytime. ❤️‍🩹

[@JayIndigo]

Not an ounce of me wanted to skip this I had to finish it because your words grabbed my attention fully 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@divyaj996]

Wow. She's screaming everything I've been feeling.

[@leewilliams3395]

ME EXPLAINED TO ME...DAMN. THANK YOU 👑 JAE NICHELLE🖖🏽

[@aminakanu3719]

It never gets old

[@dejandow4644]

Really incredible. That is exactly how it feels. She nailed it and looked great doing it!

[@kaylawright5707]

Wow if this isnt me anxiety is the abouslute worst and honestly i didnt think anyone else understood it this made me feel normal and thats amazing thank u

[@user-kd2xc1pv4d]

I love how relatable this is. and once again, I love when they are able to mix in jokes with more serious topics. very talented woman, very strong emotions as well.

[@Onialove_]

Why am I just now seeing this? She’s fire asf🔥🔥🔥🔥😭

[@nr7645]

That was so powerful. Felt it with my life.

[@ungodlyyluxx4306]

Brought tears to my eyes on how accurate this is

[@helenkim2154]

"My anxiety is the reason I didn’t talk to you. She’s possessive, she doesn’t like me talking to other people. She is irrational."

[@sindekamandoyi7020]

This just made me cry, because she is in my head.

[@officialdepac4107]

everytime she said "breathe"😩❤️

[@theatricimmortals127]

I wish I could like this 100 times

[@xu1traz18]

I remember going through my face of watching these poetry videos

[@AsyaNyoka]

This brings tears to my eyes every time I watch it 😭

[@NyashaHill]

Flawless execution and more relatable than you know, Mama! Thank you!!!

[@KrayzeeLife]

Omg this is the first poem to ever make me tear up. Listen until the end, such a touching poem

[@SoyLaGitana1]

You have no idea how many times I’ve used your poem to help people “live” with anxiety and be able to live better! Thank you, you’re inspiring to me and millions of people who have watched your video

[@CharmaineBrown]

Bruh! The feels! Why did this take so long to get to me! Perfect personification of anxiety in Black girls! 😢😢

[@conjunction7959]

Wow...if my heart and soul could speak. Constantly cluttered with thoughts of crippling self doubt and over analysis. Awareness

[@user-sy6dn5qp6u]

I'm listening to this almost everyday. Your feelings and words are so true and beautiful. Thank you❤️

[@booonanny340]

2021 ty hope u r doing well. I needed this

[@cheito73]

I’m a 45 year old father of a 22 year old princess. I just heard this for the first time. I fucking shed tears. Why you ask? Because now I know exactly how our princess daughter feels and I can’t help her but just be here for her. (Sigh) That anxiety friend is a bish!

[@Kelly-np2tg]

I relate to the second half of that poem so much. It's why I fail at love. 😐😟

[@kellywhite5447]

There's something about her that I love...she's just great❤🌼

[@robhall3311]

Damn. I'm a mid-60's wm English teacher and I've got to say - that blew me away. Such truth, such honesty, such courage. Well done, Ms. Nichelle. You bring so much to the world that it needs. Thank you.

[@saimaguriya9503]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hoLQhZh8adRsfbs

[@ingridc5127]

WOWOWOWWWW, I screamed at the accuracy!!!!!!!!

[@leahisreal3645]

As a poet myself I felt this in my body, mind and soul. Great job wow

[@Unholyland]

"she is the only relationship I can count on"

[@yolandafoster7929]

It is insane to me how accurate this is😩😩 glad to know I’m not the only one smh

[@makaylaosborn4684]

I don't think i've ever heard a poem that relates to me and hits me as hard as this just did. I got goose bumps at 3 sentences: "What happens to a black girl who is too anxious to feel like magic", "I think the reason my relationships don't work is because no one knows they are signing up for a threesome", and "...she is the longest relationship I have ever had and as everyone leaves she is the only relationship I can count on".

[@mollylewis9708]

She voices everything I can’t put into words

[@rosaevangelista5060]

This poem is truly meant for me. The title interested me so I clicked to listen. Turned out to be NOT what I thought but a lesson. So Sis, thank you for the nourishment.

[@rkivery]

this said everything for me that i never could.

[@HypnoticHysteriaLooming]

The first time I heard this I cried. You have said all the words I have not been able to get out. This is powerful, raw, honest, painful, truth.

[@kekeletsomasitha3585]

"I dont correct ppl at restruants" that is so ME

[@isobelsmith2810]

This is magical

[@_avani_official3782]

Can she still fly Can she still be fly with wings that tremble The word play😎🙏

[@binky8933]

Everything after "BREATHE" had me crying

[@kennedybrooks4789]

i love this so much thank you for this

[@tcbeckon]

This poem literally gave me life ! This poem was a reflection of me. Thank you for taking the painful experience that many people face and turning it into some beautiful!

[@naturallynique4062]

“And if I’m silent for awhile, it is because I have to fight with her before I fight with you” this is so relatable that I’m here in shambles!😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨😭💔!

[@PeanutButterNJellyfishSandwich]

What a talented lady! I absolutely adore her hair.

[@phiahphiah9072]

Amazing 😍💫🧿

[@LalaRoseilee]

QUEEEEEEEEN * furious snapped*

[@PetronellahKangombe]

Anxiety is something we all deal with knowing and sometimes unknowingly.