Miles Hodges at the 2008 Urban Word NYC Teen Poetry Slam Finals

Miles Hodges at the 2008 Urban Word NYC Teen Poetry Slam Finals

[@Ayonumber38]

...know most of the time, these are just some of the things teens and children turn too, in the absence of a parent; and for him to even turn that reality into a poetic statment is a testament to this man's mind. So please stop with the ignorant comments and think outside your boxes. you folks posting all these comments are just the ones we try to save with our writing, and if you would just open your mind for a few moments you would see beyond your outlook....

[@banjoben1234]

His ability to perform the poetry is mostly how he earned his credit. Poetry is a form of art that can be expressed in writing or can be spoken, but when it is spoken, the words he speaks are only as good as his conveyance and expression of them. The beauty of spoken poetry is that you don't necessarily have to agree with or even understand the words in order to appreciate the artist's performance.

[@bohemiansunset117]

I don't understand why so many people disliked this poem? "Tell them to load their handguns with rose petals, and aim at your feet so when they shoot enough, you can dance on those blood colored clouds. " He poetry is beautiful.

[@vingram100]

Still watching in 2015!!

[@BradPorcellato]

Greetings from Canada, My name is Brad Porcellato. Gary Levers and I have created a poem called Meaningful Metal. It is our way of thanking the coalitions fine soldiers and their often forgotten families. Thank you for viewing/listening, PS. Please help spread the the word about this poem. I'm certin that it will help many people feel better about their loved ones being in harms way.

[@BradPorcellato]

Meaningful Metal is my first narrated poem. I originally wrote it as a song but thought this format would better suit it. Gary Levers narrated, performed and composed the melody. I hope you appreciate Meaningful Metal. It is our way of thanking the coalitions fine soldiers and their often forgotten families. Just search youtube for Meaningful Metal or click on my youtube channel. Thanks. Sincerely, Brad Porcellato

[@prodigc]

when i first saw you perform this poem... i thought omg what a genius. And what a genius God was to put you in that color skin so when you walk down the street you can be a challenging questionmark to every paper bag and everyone who thought black could only be served up one way. Spit poet.

[@ZombieRommel]

Yeah, that's when I made a "WTF" face and paused the video to come down and browse the comments to see if anyone else thought it was as crap as I thought it was. Terrible writing.

[@ColterHarris]

A few of his lines are really impressive, like: "And i will prove that bullets do know what color your skin is." But most of the time, hes just listing nouns.

[@silvercrown40]

They're not, they are respectfully agreeing and showing their outrage as well voiced whoas! You had to have been there I believe to understand the feeling of the overall night.

[@Loyal2law]

WOW! AWESOME! Loved it =D! Deep poetry there brotha =3! My heart just pumped out of mah chest from that one. Nice ='D!!!

[@silvercrown40]

I agree that the venue can play on your heart and cause an illusion or focus in a direction for people, but when things come out in clips like this, it makes it so difficult to understand the meaning & the point that is truly on their heart & minds. To know someone's heart is to know their cause and true self & I wish I knew everyone's heart. It would create more peace in the world or maybe just the opposite. For hidden truths are sometimes ways of guarding the hearts of those you love most.

[@silvercrown40]

My new Black neighbors turned me, a White/Native, military spouse & mother of 3, in for racism before we even met. I greeted the investigator with willing open arms as she took in one look at my family photos, laughed & immediately left. I wish I was there when she told them that half of my family is black, including my handsome 22 y/o son Chris. Be sure race is the card you wish to play sweetie! There are other ways to find equality! You're not the only one fighting against racism! ~ONE

[@silvercrown40]

I want more from the world then the last racist bunch. NO ONE escapes racism. My skin is white, but I am not. Miles preaches racism from a painful place. He's doing it right by letting it out & it sounds amazing. I fear hate towards my blood. My nephews are everything beautiful & great in the world, but I know men still only see color & that makes me so sad & angry. I love deeply & in my family, we're raising a generation for change. We all have the same heart, can't that be enough?!? ~ONE

[@Diamond121212]

@michaelantonio0221 i didn't say anything about the in my comment i said he has black in his genes somewhere and it's hard to see so people probably disliked him without considering at all that he could know what he's talking about. Your not one of those people apperently cause you considered,, researched and returned with a point that atm i dont feel like confirming or checking so im just saying okay. Have an awesome weekend though alright? (:

[@richievanaardt]

A good poem would have been for him to say the confusion and Guilt he feels being Rich and white when seeing such a contrast between his exsistance and Harlems. Not trying to kid us that he really gives a shit or can identify with their struggle. The only good art is truth, the truth weather that makes you appear good or bad. I don't enjoy this type of poetry it seems very fashionable and shallow.

[@Ayonumber38]

at first i was taking offense, and was maybe even angry, at all the comments being said, about my brothers and sisters. But then i realized us as poets still have work to achieve, the folks commenting these videos with such ignorance are who we have to reach. so thank you for the reminder.... Miles, im proud to have you as my fellow poet and that goes for the rest of urbanwordnyc....and you already know, don't take my mind to the folks on this video, as i may have did for a momoment...

[@Ayonumber38]

I mean just listen to what the man said: his metaphors are crazy, i mean lol this man gave personification to the SUN: he called the sun "concieted as fuck" lol i mean who has the mind to even think of that?? and those of you who say you can def do this. with such "ease" and all that jazz, are fooling no one. and then he said, you with the basketball hoop, fouline for a father, backpocket journal for a mother"...i mean if you live in Harlem (which i do) or in any urban area, you know...

[@Ayonumber38]

It doesn't matter what any of you ignorant, unenlightned, witless folks think. THIS IS POETRY!! Just becasue you dont understand and all you hear is the seperation of white & black in your own mind, doesnt mean that's what's being said. If Ya'll just opened your minds for a few moments you'd be able to tell that this man, miles, is one of the greatest writers of our generation. His writing is truely his own, and will go down with the greats by the time we're all done for.

[@gbcktbug]

that was definitely interesting....worded well. just something annoying is how every modern-day poem seems to be about how black people were treated like crap, how they are still treated like crap or just some other complaint. yes, the world gets it already! blacks were enslaved and didn't have equal rights for a long time! im not askin anyone to forget about that, just stop complaining about it and move on. find something original to write about, this topic has already been covered.

[@Rubylox]

I wouldn't ask an English professor to validate any form of poetry. I can't stand T.S. Eliot and he is canonized for example. Universities are not representative of the entirety of America and the aesthetics that are promoted emphasize upper-middle class anglo cultural ideas. At the same time, not all Slam poets are great but this young man is a good poet-not perfect but very good.

[@mayfair08]

I think it was beautiful. I'm not saying it was genius or anything, but it was good, and you all know it. I liked the part about loading guns with rose petals, and the Bob Marley finish the best. All of you who are hating on this guy just 'cos he's white, or cos the poem doesn't sound like something by Dr. Seuss, get over yourselves. If you hate it so much, then write some poetry yourself and prove you actually have a clue what you're talking about.

[@OfLegendBorn]

As a writer myself who has published poetry on his resume, among other things, I have to say I LOL'd. This sucked so bad. AHAHAHA. 1/5 stars for you. I might have given it 2 or 3 for trying but he tried to act all thug and failed miserably and then went racist in the middle with the stupid 'white people try to shoot black people' or whatever remark. Enjoy the 1 star, kiddo, keep trying.

[@Millerinho]

All most all races at one time were enslaved by another.Like when millions of European Christians were enslaved by Muslims in North Africa between 1530 and 1780. Or when The Spanish and Portuguese used Indians and blacks to mine after their Latin conquests. Or Africans in Am. colonies . In truth, the morality of intelligence allows us to be free to pursue what is righteous in our hearts but not always in our minds. Use your eyes to gain intelligence,not hate,for in the end hate kills the soul.

[@Rasulis]

Well by your very post I can tell you aren't into poetry. This is poetry at it's finest. This isn't poetry in the classical term you're thinking of, but this is poetry in the modern term of an overflow of human emotion into an expression of oneself through words. Open any modern poetry book or magazine and you will find poetry like this, and much of it not nearly as good as this. Please get educated in creative writing before spouting your nonsensical, unintellectual, bullshit.

[@namesmaryjane]

all the wanna-be- highly informed-intellectual smart asses should stop trying to be professional poetry critics and give this kid a break, so he seems a little similar to anis. He is half his age and and its not surprising that that he's drawing inspiration from mojganis or who ever's technique. the words are beautiful, the delivery's soulful, and you can tell its really comin' from this dudes heart, regardless of what what race he looks. fuckin' respect.

[@DONNELLBRUNSON]

He had practiced this over and over so much it will seem empty of emotion b/c he's on stage with people and lights beating down on him. It's a shame that more people who have the time to watch other perform - can't find nice words in thier heart. It's almost as if positivity or compliments cause physical pain. Pray for the patience to appreciate the performance, the words, and the courage. One Love (long deep sad sigh)

[@mitekillem]

A kid, half-white, and confused, claiming Harlem looking like a prep-school sissy. I would get my ass kicked for doing this, for saying those things. If I said them, I would be a racist. I say - everyone be racist. You think your race is better, I'll think mine is. And in the end, we'll all end-up feeling better about who we are, and about our people. You'll feel better about yours. Each race is better than every other race. Stop the hate, and stop hanging on to the hurt.

[@jazzysessy]

just because a persons race may be white that doesn't mean they don't know anything about racism, or they haven't heard racist remarks, possibly aimed at them. And what if he is not white? Maybe his race is something else but is not clear, color is only skin deep right? Race flows in your body it's not easy to see. either way this was unbelievable, so well done, something, someone you want to see in person, with all that power and strength in words.

[@DONNELLBRUNSON]

no phill, but when you say what you think the rest of us hope that you think nice things always and as a reflex. When you are at the mercy of others to say nice things about you or your work - then you tend have postive comments kicking past your lips and flowing out of your mouth consistently because you know what it's like to be judged. We are both able to say anything, but I usually choose to be supportive, kind, and look for beauty. If you look, it's there. if you write a poem I'll applaud

[@potterbond007]

cant hear a thing except for bits and pieces in between and those bits make no sense.. And whew, does he overact or what? Seems an oversmart and an overconfident person.. About his poetry, I cant distinguish between lines and he stops or slows down in mid-sentence. A final word of advice would be to recite without flapping your arms about like an overgrown bird. You can do it and it is good.. but too much of something good turns horrible..

[@ShitboxHeaven]

This is why "Slam Poetry" is garbage. The words can be great, but it never sounds like the poets are really ever using their own voice. Its just words applied to rhythm. Anyone can imitate this, which is.. whyyyy, itisso, eeeeasy(?).. to satire. Like a million blah blah blah -- There is not much invention here. Straight rhyming is infinitesimally more dynamic than its stunted self-absorbed beatnic-throwback cousin. As the spirit wanes, the form appears. - Bukowski, like 30/40 years ago.

[@fudawg45]

It's really a shame. The potential is there for members of the black community. Just look at our new president. It seems like there is a real culture of ignorance though that pulls kids down before they even get a chance. Somehow that needs to be broken through education - then you'll start to see change. In my opinion of course. That was a really good poem, and he's a really good performer.

[@deeekin]

i apologize. this guy is obviously a genius. a modern day shakespeare. you can feel the powerful emotional struggle he faces daily. its really rough when your mom buys you the ipod nano instead of the ipod mini. he's a survivor. this is brilliant poetry right here. i mean it's not like black people will just clap and cheer anytime you talk about how the ghetto is rough and whitey sucks, is it? you can tell by his abercrombie and fitch shirt and dyed hair that he has it real rough.

[@DONNELLBRUNSON]

Poetry as any good art form, will give you a slice of time for you as an observer to review and draw your own conclusion. Pictures, songs, poems...they do just that. One must have an open mind for a poems' picture to appear, and an open heart to give credit to the person brave enough to have thier work be judged. Often, it is not the art - but the observer - that needs work. It takes no talent to talk bad about others, but it seems to be a big past-time & sad hobby when so many others are avail.

[@banjoben1234]

A smile can mean so many things. Do you think he just happened to be happy at the time? or do you think that a facial expression can correlate with different expressions depending on what he is saying and feeling? If not, you might agree with me that a performance is not just described by facial expressions. Watch his body movements, listen to his inflections and emphasis, along with his pausing and dynamics.

[@chaoticon]

It's a vicious cycle of frustrations that keeps us from looking beyond the past. There are many out there, blacks and whites, fighting for us everyday, for our rights, justice, and safety, and not enough of us to appreciate it or strive to take advantage of it in the right way (without abusing the system). Come on I'm sick of it. I'm proud of my fight, however, for representing my brothers and sisters in this day and age where racism continues to exist but is no longer an impossible barrier.

[@chaoticon]

We are not asking any of you in this generation to be ashamed of what your forefathers did many generations ago. And to be fair, I have to admit that I hear so much bitching and moaning among us of how the society owes us so much because of the past and present mistreatment and lack of opportunity, etc. to the point where I have constantly remind myself to look at the reality and ask what we are really doing to ourselves and the society by keeping up with this attitude.

[@DaMuses]

It's truly a shame that Google has seen fit to promote this young man's hate poem by posting it on our user defined google homepages. Unfortunately, this young man's poetic ability rests solely on hate (i.e. hating on races/cultures). This is counter-positive to say the least. Who ended up winning this poem contest? I surely hope it wasn't a hate filled poem, such as this, which won.

[@mlcbda]

To those of you decrying this kid's performance because of his race, you need to watch it again. Listen closely. At 1:35 the poet lays down his lineage for the audience. His father is black. He's commenting on his heritage, his history, his streets, his life. Not just his own, but everyone's existence. It's a call for unity. Listen to him again. More than once if you have to. It's worth it.

[@Ayonumber38]

oh well this was sort of, if you would like to call it, the try-outs for the "regionals" this was the nyc one; to make the team to go to nationals: which is the brave new voices international youth poetry slam. and nyc came in 2nd, but this was b4 all the peeps who mad the team went through "training"...and at bnv (brave new voices) he delivered it with so much passion..i wish that vid was uo

[@mrreaderman]

@Bludgeoned2DEATH2 Yes, I understand that things change. But I like (and write) a different kind of poetry. The last 50 years has been downhill, in my opinion. We venerate people like Allen Ginsburg, who is absolutey awful, again in my opinion. I realize this is all based on opinions, but I seriously don't see what the problem is with poets like Eliot.

[@mrreaderman]

What ever happened to the good poets like TS Eliot? And I don't give a crap about this guy's race either. Seriously though, what happened to good poets? I mean, we give letigitmacy to people who can't rhyme, don't seem to use rhythm, appear as though they enjoy dumbing down poetry, and never shut up about the ghetto. Not being insensitive, just saying what I see.

[@golds37]

Wow, I'm with Mirth. It's funny that they lend their entire Intellect to a narrow racial outlook, involved solely on discrimination. Ohhhhhhhhh, Alah, look out. I guess They can do it for them-selves. have fun. Listen to a single thing involved in 2008 politic fair and then we'll talk. Educate before discriminate superman.

[@Hyperpandas]

TLov didn't call it garbage, and he acknowledged his feeling that it was repugnant was a "hater's point of view". S/he's free to hate it, and it has nothing to do with arrogance. If anything, it was the most gentle way of expressing dislike I've ever seen in a KZbin comment. Then you sling a backhanded allusion to racism? What the hell?

[@bigbehr77]

As a country we need to read about our past and origin point for all man-kind. We all came from Africa (white, black, Asian and etc, etc). Evolution, region and climate gave man-kind their features, skin color and etc. We are all related rather you like it or not. Remember that death has no color and cemetaries welcome all races...

[@RobbOnYoutube]

Make your voice heard, but it is not he's job to talk about it, he is obviously from new york, and he talk's about race and so on, if you want to raise awareness about native Americans then you should do that if you feel so strongly for it. I think it is important to talk about the native Americans and what they went trough. Again make your voice heard!

[@waikiki87]

wow goes to show you how people look solely to skin color first when determining there opinion about people..who cares what color/decent he his, hes speaking his mind..damn man creativity is sparked within everyone and he was able to bundle it up into a poem..EMOTION is hard to explain but when someone CAN put it in there own words perfectly it really opens doors in your mind

[@IgiturSum]

Wow, go NYC kids...I wished I lived there when I wasnt affected by the depression i went through. NYC teens are definately revolutionary. I understand aobut the racism tha black people go thourhg in NYC, but they can avoid alot of the oppresiion if they build a strong community under Jesus Christ. Try to gather a meeting time to worhsip the Lord.

[@ozhall3]

what grinds my gears is that these spaghetti-armed Bukowski wannabes call these events "slams" unironically. There's nothing physical or violent about these things, just wanker after wanker after wanker talking about "the machine" and how down they are with the revolution. THIS guy...ugh. Work yourself into a bigger lather, bro, it'll gloss over how little talent you have.

[@DONNELLBRUNSON]

Is it not possible to love or applaud just because of your perceptions.?? I love the fact that you are strong in your beliefs, but part of the world he is describing was created by hate and apathy and he inspires me because he's young and cares enough to try. We are here to love, let's leave the judging to God.

[@DONNELLBRUNSON]

Anyone who has every written poetry applauds another who without fear leaves his heart open to acceptance or disgust. It's not that poets don't care what everyone thinks, it's just that they ONLY care about the people they can make connections with. If you write a poem I will applaud it even if it's bad, but in todays' society VERY FEW people would.

[@DONNELLBRUNSON]

wow, you should really listen to yourself/read your words. Do you really pose as a physician or a master who has all of the statistics of what 'people who like this' really think or know. There is another phrase that doesn't qualify for poetry but is still very strong...IF YOU DON'T HAVE ANYTHING NICE TO SAY - DON'T SAY ANYTHING AT ALL.

[@richievanaardt]

well he is not black and he the source of racism. is anything i said not true. this is not art or good and not poetry. poetry is expression of ones self a preception on life. this is regurgitated in sincere crap. its liked and admired because it is to with a taboo subject. urban poetry and somehow in the final. you are slaves of peoples opinions. i am a free man

[@chaoticon]

haha u just did...and me too!! i was a lil turned off at first but u no wat, it's actually kinda entertaining if u watch some of the other ones...just dun treat it as some kids trying to be intellectual or even pseudo-intellectual as someone made a comment earlier it's kinda coo to watch the energy that they show...u gotta admit it's an interesting way of expression

[@sakpase19]

booooo i'm not feelin this even if it was from a black guy, it would b trite. quoting only the most widely known MX and MLK quotes then singing Redemption Song at the end... um not even that was a redeeming factor. Kid I'm sorry but how do u you relate to half that stuff ur saying You have talent or guts but i dont vibe at all

[@kintar90]

i'm not judging him for standing up for another race. you misunderstood what i said. its not from the heart because he has never experienced what he is talking about first hand (at least on the receiving end). in my opinion he is acting like he is black and is being oppressed which is obviously not the truth

[@Mapacha73]

I love it. I'm happy to see someone so young thinking profoundly about something. Also, why all the hate? Who cares that he isn't a person of color! He clearly feels passionately about this topic and why should we want to take that away from him. We don't know where he comes from, what he's been through... his story.

[@jill5050chrisfan]

i found this randomly on youtube. this kids insane. he's definitely very talented. im extremely impressed. this is the most creative thing i've heard in forever. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the line- "tell them to load their hand guns with rose petals and aim at your feet, so when they shoot you enough, you can dance at those blood colored clouds"

[@SleighJessi]

Honestly people, he CLEARLY says that he is half black "that color and they have reserved half of my body to call its own. Like half of me is, like my father was, like my grandfather is". NOW, can we please shut up about his skin color and enjoy this artwork?

[@Heatley1514]

lucid rainbows passing high crazy mountainous buildings...... he said none of this, of course. I'm just providing an example of what ramblings look like in written form. I'm sorry, but I simply don't see the beauty in this. I respect the passion of artists such as Miles, though.

[@phuuyay]

@Diamond121212 did mean to pick a fight...I did read the whole comment ;) i was just sayin cause i think that race is a problem in society until it stops even crossing people's minds what color he is...so i was just trying to encourage people to ignore his color...sorry if that came off bad...

[@Diamond121212]

@phuuyay o.o what the heck? i was just defending that to someone. Saying his race isn't important however i believe he has it in his genes. you should read the whole comment before coming at me sarcastically hun. .-. Have a nice day, chill out though. no need to pick fights. its just youtube.

[@doctorrin]

Slam poetry is usually way too pretentious. Even though this dude is "half black" he "passes" as white. So he generally wouldn't receive "black stereotyping". Sounds to me like he just wanted to validate himself in front of a large audience. He look like Jonathan Taylor Thomas.

[@JymBritton]

It sounds like someone engulfed himself in a soliloquy of random adjectives and forgot where to put the punctuation. Is this, seriously, the future of poetry for this generation? YEEESH! All that passion and all the walls of slam that box the "poet" into a consistent repetition of the same ol' stuff.

[@LeeAllenMusic]

I've been to quite a few forensics tournaments myself and the biggest difference is you're talking about interpretation vs creation. It's one thing to piece together something and read it with passion but quite another to recite your own readings with that sort of intensity.

[@DONNELLBRUNSON]

It's a shame that more people who have the time to watch other perform - can't find nice words in thier heart. It's almost as if positivity or compliments cause physical pain. Pray for the patience to appreciate the performance, the words, and the courage. One Love (long deep sad sigh)

[@1ceuponatime1]

I hate to say it, but the poem itself was sub-par. There is nothing unique happening here- just a cliche topic alongside a lackluster performance. If it moves you, great. But if it does, I suggest you go find some stuff that is genuinely unique... there's plenty of it.

[@OTVIIIClear]

Deuteronomy 12:16, " and Samuel had slain the calf, and his work was fruitful, and he conjured forth a great bellow which rang upon the firmament of his house." There are people in this world who would absolutely RELENT when confronted on such grounds. I'm sure you all agree, it is truly mortifying!!!

[@banjoben1234]

No, what I'm saying is that even if you disagree with what he says, you might be able to respect him or appreciate him because of how he says it, not what he says. This doesn't mean that you can't appreciate and respect him for his words as well, but it didn't seem like litltime enjoyed Miles' words.

[@GiselleBuchanan]

well hes explaining harlem life and how fleeting it is for little black kids and also how how plays a role in that because hes half black.. how not all white ppl are racist its way more complex than that... but thats the main point of it

[@BretWinters]

I am not normally a violent man but, yes... yes I do. Ok, the guy has some talent that possibly could be fine-tuned a little but the feel sorry for the oppressed muck, unnecessary crowd pleaser, obviously wins some votes in NYC, really a cheap way to victory.

[@Hodge329]

I don't understand what everyone's problem is. This poetry actually has meaning you can discern, not like that old stuff you have to read in school where you have to pull analysis out of something where it was never put in by a writer.

[@smilz324]

u wish u could do this. u have no idea how many people were in that audience and how many cameras around (HBO is doing a documentary on it/ coming out in January '09) BUT I DO. I was on that stage last nite. it was amazing though

[@joob44]

this guy is great. It's a great poem, presented amazingly, I haven't heard anything like it from this generation. Blessings to you. These pigs who are insulting you will continue to suffer from the hatred they've boiled up within their own minds. Fuck em'

[@DONNELLBRUNSON]

most, if not all of the success of the imagry comes to those who have been in the city he's talking about. If you've never been to that city; which has blacks and whites together living together with hopelessness - choose another poem or have an open heart.

[@midnightscenex]

are you fucking kidding me ? this was amazing enough to get its own featured spot on fucking youtube. anyone who says it sucks, then lets see you try and do something half as good, and speak louder than what he's trying to put out.

[@sakpase19]

good point any anthropologist would tell you, you cant understand something fully unless you lived it. but i fought that point with professor until he gave me a C- to shut me up. but my friend, i still respect the point you make

[@DibbsIsHere]

@Diamond121212 or they DID see the black in him and they're a bunch of racist people who are too blinded by colour (Australian spelling) to see truth.Probably a mix. Great poem and great delivery either way.

[@richievanaardt]

Not spoken word in general, in this case yes. This seems pretentious to me, he's a fraud. but it's marketed in the right way to the right circles of people and then deemed deep and cool Urban world NYC yeah man cooool.

[@rnicker117]

I'm white. I have pride for black folk. Does that mean I'm fake? I have pride that my generation looks passed skin color. It's about unity not scrutiny. Maybe I'm tied closer to MLK because I live in Atlanta.

[@Ezm23]

Wow that was amazing. And to the people talking about him not being black..Poetry, arts, stories, is about putting yourself in another place. Everything someone writes or feels, doesn't have to be what they are.

[@CyclingChefDiane]

I'm not a poetry person. So when the people start shouting and such.. I don't understand how it was powerful.. A lot of the poetry I have seen though has a similar style in how you speak it. Bradley Hathaway comes to mind.

[@stizizle]

dont hate on this guy. his poetry and creativity in using a form of free speech most of us have no idea how to utilize is amazing. dont judge him for his content. appreciate the beauty of his imagery and how he presents it.

[@misterdix]

at least you're willing to accept that you might need to try harder to understand and even in your own way. pretty impressive. These ppl below who write it off as garbage bc they don't get it make me angry I'll admit.

[@ScrabbleDiva]

I think he is a passionate and creative writer as well as a speaker. Who cares if his skin is white. If that is what he is passionate about, LET HIM SPEAK! We could all use a listen to anything about equality.

[@AlPal5000]

*VOMIT* There are few things that repulse me more than slam poetry antics..."and semantics, like the hole in my SOUL! Piercing through my third eye's blind..." Oh, ahem. Sorry. Verbal diarrhea.

[@likelynot]

"composition of words, metre, metaphor, and idea" If you don't hear that here, then you never understood. Can you experience poetry without a text book to tell you whether it's good or not?

[@x46andtwo]

The basketball and hoop part was good. I liked it. Sure he's not black, talking about such things. But Im pretty sure every race can relate to his words if theyre not too ignorant to hear it.

[@frane9r9r]

d.a.m.n., Mr. Hodges You have certainly painted a place and space in time where even I small town Montana girl that I am, I think I get it. boy You got it! really really great. Thank you.

[@Bludgeoned2DEATH2]

@mrreaderman In case you didn't notice, we live abot 50 years after TS Eliot. A lot has happened since then. Stuff that makes poems great. But I don't expect you to know that.

[@jacero10]

popular cliches: crack pipes, urban grime, hand guns, black kids, slave mothers, Malcom X, King, rainbows, blah, blah, blah ... this is the same schlock you hear at every poetry slam

[@Psmerling]

That's talent. Maybe it's freeform, or what the hell are you talking about bullcrap, or a liberal spewing of semi-conscious words with an urban twist, but it's talent. woot woot

[@Beetsssss]

Impressive stuff, very well performed and nice prose as well. I wish I had it on paper so I could look at the writing closely, but anyways this guy did a great job and I applaud him.

[@misterdix]

having an opinion is cool, but "good" is subjective. If you thought that was crappy I think we'd all love an example of what a well written poem looks like..."eragon1000?" Nice.

[@Flatliner0452]

great imagery and use of language, but honestly the content really bored me, topics like this rarely resonate in me, i usually prefer things of a more existential and opaque nature.

[@skam1ems]

dope poem da imagery was dope juss dat hes white lol talkin bout black people and unless he went to da doctor and asked to get da michael jackson done hes trippin good poem tho!

[@viper37650]

WOW...that was good, very powerful. As for the guy who said it looks like your singing scremo...yeh it really does lmao. Still doens't take anything form it though lol.

[@Poopcopy]

lol I love the internet. can't ppl just watch the video, watch the kid say his poem. shit. and yes everyone is a little racist but it's whether or not you really believe it.

[@poetryrules]

To Miles: From someone who's been writing poetry a long, long time, a strong reaction like this is a very good sign, and you should be strongly encouraged. Keep writing! :-)