National Poetry Slam Finals 2014 - "Say No" Olivia Gatwood, Megan Falley

Poem written and performed by members of Urbana Poetry Slam, Megan Falley and Olivia Gatwood.

[@Annecgallagher]

the girl they mentioned from connecticut went to my school. I sat in homeroom while i heard screams and text tones, hearing that something happened to Maren under the stairs. Hes a monster, killing a poor innocent girl, so talented with a beautiful voice. I can never forget that day and I swear to God if anyone feels unsafe when they want to say no, please please be strong.

[@zenli1407]

wow and woah

[@jasminelong1021]

It's sad that people do these things because of rejection

[@annalotus9648]

This poem reminds me of a line from "Somewhere in America": "Coachs cover up star players raping freshman after the dance. Women are killed for rejecting dates. But god forbid I bring my girlfriend to prom."

[@jayla6811]

Yes

[@alexislea9999]

I love that poem

[@max-hm6bx]

Same.

[@auggie.x1248]

Anna Lotus same I was thinking that

[@sarahbecker4649]

I wish it didn't have such an awful echo, but damn that was good.

[@morganbooyse6816]

It is summer. The smell of beer and hotdogs is sweet in the air like a national anthem. It’s baseball season, and you love baseball, and going to these games with your boyfriend. And today might be the perfect day as you watch the little boys with their sticky grins on their father’s shoulders. As you watch all the happy people on the Jumbotron - and then you see your own face and your boyfriend down on one knee. and then you see an engagement ring so big it blinds the screen. And the way he looks at you like he caught the home run ball. And then you look up and see the thousands of people in the stadium, rooting for you, to do it, to say yes. This is for the woman who says no: They will boo you as you run down the stadium steps because it will never be the wedding aisle. Someone will throw popcorn at you because it will never be rice, or confetti. Someone will catch your wrist because it will never be a bouquet. They will call you a villain. A bitch. They will call you worse. They will curse the day you learned any other words besides yes and sorry. The ones who think themselves kind will ask why you couldn’t just fake it for the screen, why you had to make no a public thing. There were little girls in the audience after all and you denied them their fucking fairytale. Someone will tell your now ex-boyfriend how undeserving you are, how any sane woman would have loved that proposal, and you must not have been shit anyway, probably crazy, and he will nod. And somewhere a man calls to a woman from his car window, Hey sexy, come closer. She says no, - Cunt, you are ugly anyway. Somewhere a woman argues for a higher salary and her co-workers call her a bitch in the break room. Somewhere a woman’s friends sign her up for a makeover show. The audience laughs when she says she loves her sweatpants. The audience laughs when they throw them out anyway. Somewhere a girl is told that if she doesn’t want to hear the song about rape, don’t listen to it,but it follows her in the supermarket, the gym, the girl’s clothing aisle, and now she knows all the words. Somewhere a woman is told to get naked at a frat party. She refuses, a boy with a kind smile puts his arm around her, offers her a beer, filled with the magic that erases No from her vocabulary. I am sixteen In the manager’s office of my first job, and my boss whispers a list of the things he would do to my body. I say no, and he threatens my next pay check. In my long-term boyfriend’s bed, after having sex five times that morning, I say no, he says, this probably isn’t going to work. In Connecticut, a girl is asked to senior prom by someone other than her boyfriend. She says no and his knife blooms a corsage in her chest. In California, a young virgin boy thinks about you, and the ones like you, the ones who said no, and the audience of boos, and the poor sucker who was owed something then denied it and cocks his gun.

[@steveburtonomaha]

Morgan Booyse thank you soooo much I could not understand what that where saying😀.

[@carolineswn4]

"And a boy with a kind smile, puts his arm around her, offers her a beer filled with a magic that erases no from her vocabulary" That line is what really gave me the chills, and filled tears to my eyes, because the truth behind it it real.

[@InuMiroLover]

Powerful piece. I remember hearing the news story about the girl who rejected a prom date and was then stabbed because of it. This isnt an isolated incident. Its only part of a larger issue. There are cases of women who had been hurt because they said "no". Women feel pressured to say "yes", just in case the man asking for her attention decides to go batshit crazy on her for saying no. That is wrong. I have a right to decline you. Men do not have a right or claim to me. I shouldnt have to fear for my life just because I don't want to date you!

[@eddiev2263]

+InuMiroLover I do fail to see how this is specifically a female's issue, though. Often, there's more pressure for men to not decline women in several ways unless they wish to face jeers by their friends. Women don't have a claim to men just as men don't have claim to women, but things tend not to work by that policy. I think that's the problem most people have with this poem, as it seems to demonize people who may also be victims.

[@onyxgothicc]

They are talking about their experiences. As women. And experiences from the female perspective. Stop trying to take that away from them. Your comment shouts "I wanna be included too!!!" when it isn't about you. In no way is their poem saying it only happens to women. They aren't "demonizing" men by not including them. Get over yourself.

[@yomadude]

WHAT ABOUT MEN THEY HAVE FEELINGS TOO

[@eddiev2263]

+Kayla Allmond (ChemicalKayla) "Take that away from them" I'm not trying to revoke these women of anything. If acknowledging men makes them feel as though they're no longer special, I believe the issue lies with them. I simply pointed out the fact that many of the statements in this poem seem to paint a picture in which men are condemning women. I'm not trying to revoke them of their voice, nor their opinion, but I am criticizing it for some parts that I believe are worrisome.

[@yomadude]

Lets just agree pretty much all of these slam poetry feminism speeches are stupid

[@TaylorTanguay]

"curse the day you learned anything besides the words yes and sorry" FUCK ME UP

[@oj3511]

Taylor Tanguay um do u realize that that's kinda like a double negative? "Learned anything besides yes and sorry" so curse the day u learned the word no? Aren't they promoting the word no here tho?

[@ozmi42]

The full line is "They will curse the day you learned anything besides the words yes and sorry"

[@chanelljohnson4048]

I believe taylor thought that they said "besides the word yes and no" and so she made a joke with the comment at the end.

[@TigerPrawn_]

No means no. Silence does not mean yes.

[@hohaapril]

YESSSSS

[@eternaleyna]

+Kats987124 Yesss.

[@User-do1hx]

In the same way, silence does not mean no.

[@katcheese345]

+Thisis Bob true but it does not mean 'yes' so there you can not do anything unless they say clearly "yes"

[@SinisaRudan]

@Kitty Slender (Kathy Nitram * Flaky) It means: - I am afraid or whatever to say NO loud. (Always welcome to explain ;) )

[@sunnymathews2657]

All these men saying "what about me?" While there are more women out there screaming "get away from me!" Now i do understand bad things happen to men as well, my boyfriend was raped by another man. But females and males need to stop yelling me and start yelling us.

[@magnolia8304]

Holy shit I've watched this 4 times already and each time I get chills and my heart breaks a little bit more. This is EXTREMELY powerful. Ladies, I _implore_ you to stand up for yourselves and expect nothing less than the profusion of respect you deserve. 

[@N0RA_BX]

Amazing! The emotion they out into this and the synchronization is fantastic!

[@irisshipley2846]

Holy shit This is amazing

[@magnolia8304]

right? I honestly broke down a lil. I can't believe this.

[@anahitamonfared9721]

Megan Rose I agree! I thought it was amazing

[@lobogarcia1988]

meg respect for ranting about irrelevant topics such as saying yes or no to marriage? This is not empowering it's retarded

[@georgiahearn1967]

I get chills EVERYTIME absolutely amazing

[@AllDefPoetry]

So powerful right?

[@chesse41]

So do I !

[@bubblytea4220]

I am from the same small town where the Connecticut girl was stabbed, I had friends who were friends with her. It completely devastated and changed our entire school community. I'm so glad these girls brought it up. It is all a part of a much larger underlying issue.

[@notrllyedgy6685]

I don't know whether to be scared out of my mind or inspired.

[@hctim1]

neither you're supposed to want to gauge your eyes and ears out because feminazi's are the cancer of the earth

[@xNoToUrZx]

if you could explain how these girls are feminazis I'll consider taking your comment seriously

[@xNoToUrZx]

2b or not 2b​ you say that like all men are good and perfect respectable beings and all women arent oppressed everyday???? And like ignore the fact women are opressed????

[@kaylaswiccanmoon]

VOLTz Guru we can only use all our power to change this world. People change people. Lets do good. Please dont let fear stop you from inspiring. Inspire more.

[@kensuala]

such an important poem, one that every little girl needs to hear. you don't owe anyone anything - not even an explication; no is a complete sentence.

[@madelinewhite9501]

I know someone who refused to kiss her friend at a dance and all of her friends turned against her. I thought it was just one instance...I'm glad I saw this. Bravo, girls...bravo for speaking out.

[@alexisstricklin8147]

This is the most beautiful thing I have heard in awhile.

[@Mickk4224]

You must not hear a lot of things

[@Snow-em3ex]

+Politics Today at least some of us can use the proper *then

[@juliamckenna3105]

This is one of the first times I've ever seen a public source of media that's ever employed that message. I'm already sick of how much this poem is true, and am incredibly thankful that at least some people think like me. Thank you ladies! You have an amazing gift! Please continue to use it!

[@mandrickmovies]

They work so well together, this is absolutely incredible.

[@monicajohnston8034]

Just a question, but why do you think no isn't good enough? Just because it isn't the answer you want? You don't seem to question when they say yes, so why question when they say no?

[@monicajohnston8034]

liz smith Okay I see where you're coming from, but if a girl is feeling pressured by a guy to have sex, especially after hearing all the horror stories the people in the video mentioned about getting killed, that could be really scary. Granted, not every guy (as people so like to bring up) will do that, but how are they supposed to know? So, in fear, they say yes.

[@Rattiesforlife]

I get what people are saying with have human decency and don't embarrass your partner, but you shouldn't feel entitled to say yes. It is your proposal and you have the right to say no, that is the girls point. Not that you should want to embarrass them but that you have the power/right to say NO.

[@kyubeyz_7062]

Kelly ikr

[@AngelofMusicization]

0:46 The spoken word equivalent to the beat dropping

[@eehuffman54]

I always wondered about people who make a public spectacle out of a marriage proposal. Is it out of love or showmanship? What if the other is not sure or wants to say no? The proposer forced the other's hand by making it so public. Looks like coercion to me.

[@duffyd6248]

This is my actual favorite slam right now. I love the emotion in the performance

[@walkergirl02]

I've seen this a dozen times and the end always, ALWAYS gives me chills

[@labellelace]

The point of the video isn't that everyone who says yes is being pressured or is just being polite. The point is (or at least what I interpreted it as) that no matter what the situation is, no matter what your gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation (etc.) is, you have the right to say NO. If there was only one answer to the question, they wouldn't ask.

[@valeriaesparza4921]

every time I watch this I always get the chills

[@valeriaesparza4921]

You all suck

[@saracarr8234]

I absolutely love the demandingness and anger and determination of these two girls, especially the girl on the right. I believe in what they have to say and was very moved by theyre poem. I also admire the courage of both women to tell their own personal stories along with the stories of others. I aspire to be like them and even perform on stage.

[@stacycampion9902]

The ending, that last word, reverberating around the room and in our ears. Absolutely powerful.

[@Kingdada385]

I cannot stop watching this. So inspiring. True performance , true words. Touching

[@chantegreen4467]

I honestly listen to this every time I have a hard day it brings tears to my eyes but works every time

[@user-tz7lk1zb5k]

this is so inspiring and eye opening. thank you.

[@2amazing101]

The Clique is everywhere |-/

[@TwentyPaphonies]

Hello fren I-/

[@jacksworden2597]

Eve Salters |-/

[@becca6737]

|-/ frens

[@17weyerkai]

If this causes enough emotion for me to cry, then this definitely deserves a SLAM title.

[@jacinthmauricio]

I love this. They did great for me. They delivered their message loud and clear.

[@destructor.93]

Feminism isn't just about the problems that women in first world countries have, it isn't even just about problems that women have. The same sexism that hurts women hurts men, too. Girls in some countries have their clitorises flicked out with a knife like a piece of gristle, and I'd bet good money that a lot of them say "no" too. The little girls who have to marry old men say no, and the women who can't go outside without asking first would probably say no if they could. People find it easy to overlook female teachers sleeping with their male students because it's generally accepted that boys like being taken advantage of; if we accepted that that's bullshit, then women would be held accountable and boys wouldn't be taken of advantage of so casually. That's two sides of the same coin. I'm a feminist, and I believe in speaking out for and taking a stand for everyone who can't do it themselves.

[@beannuttify]

I get chills everytime I watch this it’s wild....

[@ellaswizzle5736]

This is the best slam poem I've ever heard 😻

[@graceculp9407]

that was so good. I have chills.

[@kylebisnath2651]

I'm a guy, and i love this.

[@coffee-uy4oo]

i feel so good to know that people appreciate poetry this much

[@sarahgenuario8546]

So accurate and strong, this gave me chills. I've watched this like 5 times omg

[@gracecarroll3704]

These girls are so powerful and strong and inspiring

[@siobhansalter6641]

I love these two. I hope they release a book together. They are both so passionate and emotional about their poetry.

[@rayjay9715]

that ending gave me chills

[@EdaliaDayCreative]

This is so potent. The line about getting the words to the song of rape drummed into your head especially everywhere you go especially hit home.

[@chadreese1699]

Bless y'alls beautiful souls for sharing this with the world!!!!!

[@Dafool12344sista]

My cousin was proposed to in front of her whole family and her boyfriends. She felt obliged to say yes. So she did then they were divorced only 3 years later. Cause he couldn't handle her success.

[@Mickk4224]

She is retarded.

[@Dafool12344sista]

+iShouldGo actually she has PhD

[@Dafool12344sista]

+iShouldGo believe what you like but what I know is society pressures people to say yes even when they're not sure or not ready or when they think they are but really arnt and another thing I know is my cousin always did what was expected of her even when she didn't want to

[@avikmukherjee2987]

+iShouldGo yeah. you should go

[@KS-vc6bk]

This is so utterly awesome... I can't stop watching this.

[@fivesecondsofsummer3362]

I love how they speak in this. The emotions and tone make it really powerful. Well done

[@aloranesting]

i was asked to homecoming by a boy i don’t like in that way but he worships me in front of my entire class and everyone was cooing and saying “awww” but i said “you’re a really sweet guy but no..” and later that day everyone started calling me a “bitch” and that i was rude for saying no but everyone who asked me about it i said “he asked me a question and i gave him his answer” and i walked away. within the first few seconds of this slam i was roped in through personal experience. thank you for this.

[@stephania5076]

This is my favorite slam poem from them

[@elishevarose978]

Just saying, you know a poem is amazing when you are crying after it

[@yarelithebookhuntr3427]

Chills and tears everytime i watch this stunning slam

[@sirdudester]

jesus, that was intense. caught me offgaurd.. well done

[@keyleanicole1137]

The beginning of the poem was the best intro ever!!!

[@evie2998]

i get chills every time i listen to this

[@amberhassig7736]

I am absolutely stunned by their talent & message. Perfect.

[@arsenemourinho4062]

Roses are grey Violets are grey Rainbow is grey Holy shit I'm colorblind

[@theo_aetc]

That's not how colour blindness works..

[@kratos9888]

XD. that other guy has no sense of humor lol

[@freedomordeath89]

IM TRIGGERED

[@11natalie28]

Theo Taylor yes actually it is. There are multiple types of colorblindness. Some colors look alike for instance purple and green may look alike. Or all colors are gray. I forget the name but someone can't see any color besides gray. Multiple people actually, it's just extremely rare

[@oceansmith6849]

Arsene Mourinho lol

[@MissRiggie]

I say Yes to this whole poem because holy shit it's amazing

[@tiny7931]

I find myself coming back to this every time.

[@rebeccakuhlmann3474]

Chills and tears and pride. Such beautiful words, girls.

[@priscillasandoval4635]

So powerful ladies. Thank you!

[@thalialatham1278]

Literally I'm speechless. This poem is so deep and powerful. Its very inspiring. I applaud you guys for doing this poem. Its amazing and true.

[@rachelleonard7684]

Amazing so much emotion❤️

[@angelinacastillo3461]

dude, this shit is so fucking true. bravo girls, bravo.

[@ceema8163]

I shivered like 10 times during this. it was AMAZING.

[@sophiasobeski921]

I am in love with this poem. It sends chills down my spine, goosebumps up my arms, and tears misting in my ears every time. Well written and very accurate. Not all men are like this, there are some amazing respectful guys out there. There are also guys who do these sort of things that need to be stopped. These ladies are not slamming against men, there are slamming against men who give in to this sexual harassment.

[@blueblack5417]

Wow! I have no more words other than wow and beautiful.👏

[@brynnarey]

I've listened to this so many times I already have it memorized

[@alexissaeyang1342]

this is something women have to go through. Every time I tell someone I do not want to do something it is followed by a sorry. When asked why, I think about all the stories I've heard of men hurting women for rejecting their advances.

[@rockyinwonderland4121]

I love poetry. when I was 13 I went to a poetry documentary and I loved it and cried. but people were barely looking. I wish people could feel how poetry feels to m

[@wandawakanda8103]

"and a knife blooms a corsage in her chest" pls don't call me stupid, but does that mean he stabbed her???

[@sampope4909]

no um it means he um cut off her under garments

[@beyondbookworm]

+Hannah Ember No there was actually a girl who was killed in Conneticut for rejecting someone's prom proposal. You can google and find the articles on it.

[@ethanfisher-perez9620]

+Bex LeTrex That one isn't fair though, because obviously, not everyone gets murdered for saying no.

[@ethanfisher-perez9620]

***** No, what I'm saying is not EVERYONE gets murdered for saying no.

[@VictoriaLKrouse]

+Ethan Fisher-Perez yes, not everyone does. But let the thought linger in your mind that it still does happen. It's not inevitable. It's not "debatable". It's a fact.

[@ellanaphin6693]

I love these two and their work!

[@azalealewis-milne2283]

I always get chills listening to this, goddamn, so empowering.

[@kassykatful]

GOD this is so powerfully haunting

[@olivia_1685]

OH MY GOD I'M ADDICTED TO SLAM POETRY!!!!!! also you two rock! I love the awareness of women abuse, I guess, that you guys spread. Totally inspires me!

[@AllDefPoetry]

Great words

[@jellines485]

This is so powerful. I was smiling and crying at the same time.

[@mariahswt]

Probably the most powerful poem I've ever heard

[@couuuuuuuuuuurtney]

I've watched this so many times. Love it.

[@anovakmae2524]

I fall more in love with this video every time I watch it😍

[@abigailgoldhamer407]

I get chills every time I watch this

[@xXGizMonkeyXx]

this gives me chills - absolute fave

[@SallySoberanes]

Powerful words....

[@NinjaOtta6713]

the ending really gets me... wow. fantastic delivery for an amazing poem

[@ppuddlingquack]

This was honestly so beautiful.

[@bestest_mensch]

This was really well done and thought out

[@aquaticslover]

had chills the whole time and still do

[@edenfunk133]

I'm speechless. That was the most amazing this I've ever heard

[@theradicalace]

the moment of silence after the last line is amazing honestly

[@sxyteesa0890]

The one on the right going in her body language is straight passion

[@KrisKidd11]

Still one of my favorite performances

[@123kyylie]

the ending was the absolute best part of this poem

[@JuniorlikesTechno]

*repedidly snaps*

[@babygurl9227]

This is deep and i love this so much

[@אליהדנאל-מ4ע]

I can't believe there are people who unliked this video

[@jennycueva5434]

chills all over my body. this is so realistic and accurate

[@aurav1376]

This made me cry.

[@kaylabailey5982]

i am absolutely in love with this

[@samschueler3104]

I've watched this a million times omg

[@eternaleyna]

That was so fucking awesome. I love this so much.

[@jmarkimcpherson1853]

That was really good. The reason it was good because it was true. We’re all manipulated if we say no because they always expect us to say yes. No we don’t always have to say that.

[@brandyxbrown]

I will never not love this video