Maia Mayor - "I Want to Be" | Classic Slam 2019

This original poem was performed at the Get Lit 2019 Classic Slam Finals.

[@SunGathersDust]

This poem reminds me of why we're never just satisfied with being. I don't wana be anything. I'll be satisfied if I read one book that I'll remember for the rest of my life, do one push up and feel like I'm the strongest I've ever been, tell one joke that makes someone I'm trying to impress laugh. I want to just be and that's enough.

[@bloo129]

I like this.

[@flowertapia5325]

i love this so much thank you for sharing

[@JOHNEELUND]

this is what i'm working to be like

[@mumsiewhachacallit6497]

I feel like this comment is poetry itself

[@godofnothing428]

We aren’t satisfied with just being, because we weren’t meant for mediocrity.

[@gabriellabruton5141]

when she said “many moons ago" I knew she would be good

[@CaptainTae]

That's when I knew it would be a mess of cliche's attempting to convey meaning.

[@anneangasa4108]

Totally! According to the poem, that was part of her message. She's gooood.

[@reetichauhan355]

When did she say that??

[@ahahhhh7165]

@@reetichauhan355 at the very beginning, before her actual poem started.

[@cayleighkinder8745]

I know!

[@lucindadiehl304]

Sometimes I just want to be enough for myself.

[@Watson7060]

Lu Diehl you are

[@kieraforest463]

When it comes to being good enough for yourself it doesn't matter what other people say.

[@englishtutorial5160]

@@kieraforest463 that's true

[@sofirejdukowski665]

Right? I want to be someone IM happy with.

[@ajm92cr]

Goddamn. That hit hard. But I think realizing that that is what matters the most is the first and most important step. You, Lucinda, are enough.

[@sofiacoady1376]

“i want to master the practice of self acceptance and love.” “i want to be everything i never was.”

[@hg.2820]

I’m not 100% sure but is she the girl who wrote the poem Perfect?

[@bdellove13]

Yes

[@amethystwhaley5126]

Yes

[@GlamandCrime]

She looks so different now, but that voice still strikes the same cord ♥️

[@thatskai3070]

Yes

[@julissa6715]

Yes!!!

[@Mariana-ch9mf]

I want to be well read I want to read Dostoyevsky and Tolstoy and confidently pronounce their names I want to read every book by every russian author I want to read all of the classics The Pulitzer prize winners, the national best sellers, the undiscovered contemporaries before their novels are turned into movies Before they plaster the face of blockbuster actors on every cover until I'd be too ashamed to buy it I want to write notes in the margins of pages with thought provoking insight, character motives and plot devices I want to read every single book on my bookshelf I will stare at them all until something happens I will carefuly trace the lines of every crease on every bind of every book Looking for a shortcut A way to read them all at once because I want to be well read I want to be smart I want to know all the things I want my brain to be a complex work of art I want to start now I want to be well rounded I want to start playing violin again I want it to sound beautiful and impressive and technically difficult I want to re-learn how to read music and play Tchaikovsky's Symphony number four and I want to see your jaw hit the floor before I reach the grand finale my fingers trembling, rough with calluses, but I don't want calluses I want soft, smooth hands, to hold your hands after you fall in love with my undeniable musical talent I want to be the first chair violinist in the LA philharmonic I will listen to KZbin videos of classical violin until I am the first chair violinist in the LA Philharmonic I want all of the knowledge sprouting from my fingertips Easy as the water drips when I let my arms hang like scarecrows in the shower I want the power of now I want to feel powerful I want to be strong I want to be strong and healthy I want a body that says I do 5am Pilate's every weekday I want to drink chia seeds and loose leaf green tea, sweetened with agave nectar I want to do bikram yoga and sweat out toxins in 105 degree heat I want to be hot I want to be hot and sexy I will wear leg weights while I sleep until I wake up in peak physical condition My body, a temple made of concrete because I want to be strong I want to write my wrongs like poems, find answers to all of life's problems hidden in witty double entendres I want to write witty double entendres that actually makes sense so people can laugh at my enginuity I want to be funny I want to be hilarious I want to fill rooms with uproarious laughter that have guts busting faster than a cracker barrel feist I want to be the little lad that loves berries and cream, berries and cream I want to be David Sedaris reading Santaland diaries in a monotone stupor I want to be Kylie Jenner realizing things And I want to be Nicolas Cage fighting bees in a legendary remake of The Wicker Man I will emulate the entire history of pop culture until I am the funniest person in a ten mile radius at any given time because I want to be histerical I want to be incomparable and vast I want to be boundless and uninhibited, free from inertia and self doubt I want to master the practice of self acceptance and love I want the confidence to be everything I never thought I was I want to be everything I never thought I was I want to be everything I never was

[@darkblue0505]

unknown, a very inspiring poem, findable on utube now 'World Famous Poem - Alone by Edgar Allan Poe - Awaj Films

[@englishtutorial5160]

Thank u for these beautiful lines

[@jasonborne5359]

Thanks... but we all listened

[@mr.wooper5520]

NOONE CARES

[@patrochilles6275]

@@jasonborne5359 ya but some ppl like to follow the transcript.

[@kaylakitchen8264]

BERRIES AND CREAM! This poem was ahead of its time

[@bilaknikol6859]

My favorite part is how we might want a lot, but few of us are ready to work for it. We don't want it to be hard, we want those soft hands. We want it to come to us easy or we won't do it.

[@bingerz237]

Imagine how frustrating it must be to have thoughts trapped inside because your mouth won't let them out. God Bless you, Maia.

[@allisonnicole4596]

Maia is one of my favorites ❤️❤️

[@BrooklynHallett]

Allison Nicole, could not agree more!

[@adriana1461]

do you know any other recommendations that are good like her?

[@BrooklynHallett]

adriana I like a poem by Patrick Roche called Every 40 Seconds.

[@area1725]

@@adriana1461 listen to Sarah Kay, Phil Kay and Rudy Francisco they are THE Best . Also listen to perfect by Maya .

[@lukasbernermatto4615]

She might want that but theres only 1 thing I want: I wanna be the very best, like no one ever was

[@edwardfights4900]

Geodude

[@owroot]

LMFAO

[@indusinghtanwar2711]

POKÉMON!

[@mia-saraking5479]

catching them is my first test, but training is my cause

[@cailinmccann5311]

She spoke what was written in my heart

[@jessenceq3250]

I just witnessed my soul twin. Through and through. From Russians novelists to getting that Berries and Cream lad song stuck in one's head for all of time. The reason I don't write is because I think about all I want to be and sit paralyzed as I realize the desparity between there and here. But I won't give up and hopefully, more and more, will want these things for a better reason than vainglory.

[@sarahlawlor4933]

I love Maia and this poem ❤️ it really spoke to me as a girl who dreams of these things but will probably never reach them

[@nourammar7568]

You will just believe in urself and show urself some love

[@ryandavidtrapasso]

Was kinda waiting for a turn in the second half that never came, but still good.

[@Lucytheplantwitch]

I feel this with the entirety of my heart

[@on1yone]

At the same time I’m watching this, I just want to have the same confidence of her to present in front of people...

[@sara-rc2hr]

@spicy bish I hope you found the confidence you were looking for and if not I hope you bring that confidence into existence ❤️

[@on1yone]

@@sara-rc2hr I still haven’t achieved that confidence and I will try my best. Thanks 💕

[@julissa6715]

Her poetry slams always bring me to tears! For some reason I always find myself watching her poetry slams coincidentally.

[@darkblue0505]

Julissa B. a very inspiring poem, findable on utube now 'World Famous Poem - Alone by Edgar Allan Poe - Awaj Films

[@miaz347]

This is quite literally my exact dilemma right now, even down to the violin. This really spoke to me as a young girl just trying to find her own special place where she fits, thank you Maia❤️

[@davidomokanye1880]

No matter what you know and achieve u will never be enough for yourself and the people around you

[@wasimaakhter5301]

It is just so relatable and raw.... Gave me chills!

[@meleika8274]

That's a poem. She's a poet. She's it. She's everything. Someone please find Maya and tell her that.

[@powderloca]

Loved the line, "I wanna right my wrongs like poems" ...

[@civiSapper]

Everything you are and everything you don’t want to be, said so beautifully.

[@sharlottechamisa]

I can relate to EVERYTHING she said

[@ashleyethridge9083]

i feel myself in every single poem of Maia's that i have read and/or heard... SO GOOD

[@MS-ij1xm]

Their is so much I want it hurts but I got to old.

[@cjrockzz.]

I love her. Her “Be Perfect” is amazing

[@Katietayx]

You wanna be. But who are you? You are you!

[@clairea.6784]

i know she'll probably never see this but Maia you are so brave and absolutely a role model for me. You are so talented :) you are more than enough, you are exceptional in all of the best ways

[@henryhaynes2147]

This changed my entire perception of slam poetry. Thank you

[@KristinaMassa17]

Haha love that ending. Clever as always by Maia

[@lauracw_24]

Wow. Captivating delivery. The emotion you projected from your voice enhanced your piece and gripped your audience. Well done, Mayor. 5/5.

[@bellahawthorne4228]

I absolutely love Maia her poems are incredible !!

[@ijmarchs]

This is so beautiful. Thank you, Maia.

[@christinam4899]

This girl is talented! I love every work she puts out

[@user-uv9bi3xz1o]

Every few weeks I come here to get to remember why I started

[@user-uv9bi3xz1o]

I haven't been here in a while. I'm out of depression now. I love how far I've come. I love poems.. I want to be me now

[@kamenielakhan]

One of my favorites.

[@ellianacavaiani9402]

I wanna be good enough.

[@steeojabb329]

“I want to know all the things.”

[@dalinadin285]

Waaaaaaaaw and in one single breath all the things she ever wanted!!!

[@mannatbrar6360]

Never found something so relatable....amazing work 👏🏿👏🏿

[@mcr_killjoys5sos_patd56]

Omg that last line brings it all together man that hit hard!

[@andreanichols4846]

I LOVE THIS!!

[@alainam5540]

This resonated so deeply

[@willowsmith711]

I loved this so much its great

[@aishaaa.j]

Love her😍😍

[@hanaku9086]

I relate to this so much. thank you for this powerful work of art!

[@prettygirlslovepink]

Im in love with this

[@Warners_Love]

Im gonna do this poem at school and I have one day to learn it. Wish me luck

[@Uchatshit.1]

How did your poem go at school? I hope u smashed it which im sure u definitely would of done. I hope u have taken something from this poem and never wish to be anyone else or anything else but who u are and what being you is. Keep smiling and stay blessed x

[@SL-tl7zy]

I needed this.

[@039_priyanshisharma2]

just love this

[@yasinthaprudence4441]

I wanna be everything i never was..☺👏

[@marcial7742]

She's a star ❤

[@ReneeValdez1]

This is AWESOME! Thank you!

[@sarahbadarspeaks90]

I loveee herrrrrr

[@teddee4572]

Poetry is life. Poetry, It's the thoughts I eat. The air I breathe. The spirit in me. Poetry is every word I speak . Sometimes it's quiet and meek, Other times, They're screaming, Yelling @ me To release them from captivity So they can run free. Free to share with the world what they feel and think. Poetry, It drives me crazy Because of it, I can not sleep For whatever reason, it keeps eating at me. Aaaaauuuugghhhhh!!!! Poetry, I swear..... It's going to be the death of me.

[@jasonborne5359]

Stop.... slam poetry is gay and poetry written in the youtube comments under a slam poetry is even more gay. Watch.. i can do it too.. Gay.. i wish my parents accepted me... me the person i wished to be... Bee, the thing our ecosystem is lacking... faced with extinction because our species is lacking... it’s happening. I wish I wish i could reverse the time.. a time when our presence wasn’t pressed for time... To fill the void, to fix the bonds were breaking, to mend the cracks were breaking... To fill to the void and fix everything we’ve broken. If only slam poetry could fix the things we’ve spoken... But it can’t... Emotional words are cheap.. Apart from action, slam poetry is weak... Keep speaking with emotion to fill your void to speak... You speak out against injustice like martin luther but quiver like oliver gruel and weep. Instead of speaking...pick up thors hammer and break.. because words are frail and hammers can smash and break! See how easy “emotional” poems can be written... if someone stood up on that stage and read the with emotion everyone in the comments would be like “OMG SUCH INSPIRATION... SUCH EMOTION” lol It’s so stupid... go make an actual difference and stop this emotional masturbation

[@teddee4572]

@Amritpal Kaur thank you. I write everything I share. Glad you enjoyed reading it. Have a blessed nights

[@sofim8888]

@@jasonborne5359 who hurt you?

[@jasonborne5359]

Sofi M! What.. you didn’t like my slam poetry?

[@Oscar_Armstrong]

@@jasonborne5359 this comment had me laughing hard, I fucking loved that lmao.

[@zealshah5850]

That is so relatable! It was indeed jaw dropping performance ❤

[@salmawael2237]

simply amazing😍🔥🔥

[@krysteladams5795]

Amazing, no other words..other than amazing!

[@nikgoretti6236]

what a way with words. This speaks to me

[@annacantdoit5642]

thank you... thank you.

[@oskar4124]

She’s a girl that want to wish a lot of his goals it’s admirable

[@LaRoyTechTips]

Powerful poem I’m speechless

[@beautifulblooom]

" Maya uh to need to be perfect " is something stuck in my head...

[@vanessathompson4049]

I hope she gets there.

[@haniyakhan4461]

Oh My God! This is Amazing! Maia, you're brilliant.

[@shulker698]

Thank you

[@doctorlawrence4676]

Love it

[@jemimahmaticha5978]

Beautiful poem!

[@bellini6507]

FAVORITE, SO REAL

[@justagirl1798]

wow she was amazing

[@Ssanihal]

I enjoy your poetry. I feel all of these “I want”

[@bunnyb7360]

Why her poems are so relatable

[@JemMaxine]

i love how i find this more impactful spoken than read, and how this poem makes me crave for an answer poem but also not

[@chrisjr4005]

Yes maia

[@amiowo2531]

Not the berries and cream 😳💁🙋🙅💁👏

[@kannouuz]

Girl, you rockin' it......................

[@anujkedawat6526]

Maia❤️

[@Emma-fd6jg]

God I love maia

[@fate185]

The most relatable poem

[@okTownes]

Hits different in quarantine

[@Bella-gq6uy]

THAT WAS SO GOOD

[@Urmom-kz8fx]

3:09 HOW TF THIS WAS 2 YEARS AGO

[@anibrooke222]

this poem hit me in a really personal way...

[@laraliz33]

I love you, I feel this poem so deeply.

[@larrylebofsky5703]

Very good performance.

[@anonymousarmy4449]

It hits Mee🥺

[@kayleepuff9082]

That's my girl!😊💜🤩

[@izromer6213]

That was immaculate

[@namupolo1100]

Replace 1st chair violinist to guitarist and this applies to me perfectly.

[@franzilinner6914]

Honestly mood

[@silverado611]

Very productive. The world definitely needs alot more of this.

[@clowieflowers770]

Two set violins needs to do a reaction of this vid

[@tsi3659]

Enjoy what u wanna be and what u wanna do so it's doesn't feel sad at all

[@action_za26]

I want to be great ❤️🤞🏿✊🏿

[@mleskoyeah1464]

…and THIS ladies and gentlemen is what a complete clinically manic meltdown looks like..

[@NateDaRedKing]

The ending hit hard.

[@carbonc6065]

I'm happy that FINALLY somebody wrote a poem another than SOCIAL; but WHY do they all talk and act the SAME WAY while reading a poem out loud???!!!

[@muraleedharank5315]

😍😍😍

[@nandarnandar1104]

She is amazing