Shay Alexi Stewart - Song of the Prettybird

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Shay Alexi Stewart, performing at the 2016 College Unions Poetry Slam Invitational.
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Button Poetry is committed to developing a coherent and effective system of production, distribution, promotion and fundraising for spoken word and performance poetry.
We seek to showcase the power and diversity of voices in our community. By encouraging and broadcasting the best and brightest performance poets of today, we hope to broaden poetry's audience, to expand its reach and develop a greater level of cultural appreciation for the art form.

[@emme9606]

The way she said "sorry sorry sorry" felt like she took the words out of every girl's mouth. Everyone knew that line already. And she knew they would.. It gave me chills. I heard myself saying it as she said it.

[@steam_junk]

yes

[@trash8972]

"my vanity's insanity unless it helps get you off"

[@makapaka6452]

I loved that line!

[@alannamcgrath3715]

"my vanity is insanity unless it helps get you off" Agh this poem is amazing

[@juliea8925]

"pretty sure i know what i'm talking about… pretty sure, maybe not, sorry sorry sorry sorry"

[@christy-anne-jones]

The way she preformed that was perfect

[@CallerOfTheWild]

"I have a better half- I am a half." Blew me away. Her presentation is fearless and flawless

[@savini7727]

the staccato rhythm beautifully highlights the disjointed thoughts and ideas warring with each other in the poem. its absolutely gorgeous. love it

[@steam_junk]

Yes. I love this style, with the whole disjointed thoughts thing.

[@DragonPrincessAoife]

This is incredible. I love the cadence she slips in and out of, and the character she creates so quickly.

[@LP-bi4vc]

This is literally the only time I have ever cried while listening to a poem

[@poxolatee]

Can I like this a thousand times? Not only the words are amazing, but the way she performs! I am in love. So much energy, so much feeling, so much talent.

[@genevievepidal8155]

Ok I had to watch this about 7 times to understand it fully and now I'm crying.

[@alyssapape6463]

This is the most original slam poem I've ever heard. Incredible rhythm and incredible meaning

[@Cutegirl12316]

"My left side is my best side. I have a best side. I have a better half. I am a half."

[@poxolatee]

Every once in a while I just crave this video, and I watch it again and I'm amazed at the talent. It gives me chills every time.

[@kyemackin4828]

I've lived 20 preI've lived 20 prettybird years Of this great big prettybird life And i think i pretty pretty pretty bird bird pretty much know what im talking about People like to poke fun at my pretty bird pretty preening At my pretty pretty bird pretty feathers But look at my long clean coat At my pretty pretty bird pretty pink legs When pigeon men track me cross sky highway tHey are happy to trace hungry orange eyes between my pretty pretty bird bird feathers To busy fantasizing pretty bird Wet dreams swollen chest fluff fest To pretty poke bird fun To pretty poke fun bird To pretty bird bird pretty bird bird pretty pretty pretty Too busy fantasizing to poke fun at permanently preening pretty bird My vanity is insanity unless it helps get you off What a treat hosting eyes between my thighs They will spend equal time begging to share bed with me Condemning mediocrity How does one achieve complexity when all she was ever taught to be was basic Pigeon man wants pretty bird to pretty bird Until pretty bird fulfills ideas of prettiness Then shes too pretty pretty bird bird paralyzing and preened Look at my long clean coat At my pretty pretty bid pretty pink legs Track me cross sky highway Take a picture I beg you Take a picture pretty bird pretty bird My left side is my best side I have a best side I have a better half I am a half Pretty cus they want a pretty bird bird I grew up on a diet of bread crumbs catalog clippings and sidewalk cracks How do you expect anything else Pretty sure i know what im talking about Pretty sure pretty sure Maybe not Sorry sorry sorry sorry Can i ask a question Sorry sorrry May i may i Pretty bird used to sing Baby bird used to sing Baby bird was pretty bird before pretty bird learned to pretty And baby bird could compose whole symphonies Acute intricacies melodies capturing vacies poetry But the reviews came in and they prefered apology So she shrank learned to make herself small enough to nearly fit back in her eggshell to tip toe atop eggshells expanded flight just long enough for pigeon men to track her cross sky highway but still she sang too loud so they caged her up for her pretty pretty bird bird long clean coat for her pretty pretty bird pretty pink legs and they said sing pretty lady sing but I forgot how so I said pretty pretty bird bird look at my long clean coat at my pretty pretty bird pretty pink legs but they were bored of me

[@bronwynembree7592]

thanks

[@tinkerthetinyrobot]

vast seas of poetry*

[@monikakracmarova5674]

❤

[@MinniMouseLuver143]

I have a best side, I have a best half, I am a half - yas girl

[@Marlodrama]

that was my favorite line too!! so amazing ugh

[@sarallove8472]

"My vanity's insanity unless it helps get you off" ...Wow

[@keverleycharles]

This is one of the most beautiful and intricate poems I've ever listened to. I've listened to it soooo many times I have a lot of it memorized and I'm absolutely in love with it. OBSESSED!! 💛

[@luvpotion333]

Instantly started crying as she said the last line

[@nothanks2575]

I've been slapped in the face by this performance and that's what I love about it

[@biavezestres]

I watched this on repeat. Simply could not accept going back into the world without fully absorbing what she had to say. Insanely beautiful poem, insanely talented performance, insanely relevant topic. Thank you from a pretty bird.

[@noel4065]

The best poetry slam ever, perfect performance and it's sooooooooo creative, so an easy way to show sooo deep stuff. And I mean by easy the way she uses the picture of a bird to say things through it. I really love it!!! Greetings from Germany ❤

[@MorningGlimmerLibrary]

this lives rent free in my head

[@Ruby-jh8ei]

Everything about this is perfect

[@landryhoward5966]

This is the poem that got me into poetry😊

[@zoefiedler986]

Did button poetry ever said whether they will ever post the poems in their descriptions? It can sometimes be hard to follow as someone who doesn't speak english that well

[@emilypoupart7246]

They do have the caption option

[@veronicatr320]

I'm in the same position, I tried searching for the 'lyrics' but I can't seem to find them, and the automatic captions aren't right. I tried making a transcript but couldn't quite catch a few words, hopefully someone else can correct those: i've lived twenty prettybird years of this great big prettybird life and I think I pretty pretty pretty bird bird pretty much know what i'm talking about people like to poke fun at my pretty bird pretty preening at my pretty pretty bird pretty feathers but look at my long clean coat at my pretty pretty bird pretty pink legs when pigeon-men track me across sky-highway they're happy to trace hungry orange eyes between my pretty pretty bird bird feathers too busy fantasizing pretty bird, wet dreams(?) (?) chest, fluff-fest(?) to pretty poke bird fun.. to pretty poke fun bird.. to pretty bird bird pretty bird bird pretty pretty pretty too busy fantasizing to poke fun at permanently preening Prettybird my vanity's insanity unless it helps get you off what a treat hosting(?) eyes between my thighs you'll spend equal time begging to share bed with me condemning mediocrity how does one achieve complexity when all she was ever taught to be was basic? pigeon-man wants Prettybird to prettybird until Prettybird fulfills ideals(?) of prettiness then she's too pretty pretty bird bird paralysed (?) preen look at my long clean coat at my pretty pretty bird pretty pink legs track me across sky-highway take a picture I beg you take a picture pretty bird, pretty bird my left side is my best side I have a best side I have a better half I am a half pretty 'cause I want to pretty bird bird grew up on a diet of breadcrumbs catalogue clippings and sidewalk cracks how did you expect anything else? pretty sure I know what i'm talking about pretty sure? pretty sure? maybe not sorry sorry sorry sorry can I ask a question, question? sorry sorry, may i? may? Prettybird used to sing Babybird used to sing Babybird was Prettybird before Prettybird learned to pretty and Babybird could compose whole symphonies of cute intricacies melodies capturing vast seas of poetry but the reviews came in and they preferred apology so she shrank learned to make herself small enough to nearly fit back in her eggshell to tiptoe on top eggshells expand in flight just long enough for pigeon-men to track her accross sky-highway but still, she sang too loud so they caged her up for her pretty pretty bird bird long clean coat for her pretty pretty bird pretty pink legs and they said 'sing, pretty lady, sing!' but I forgot how so I said pretty pretty bird bird look at my long clean coat at my pretty pretty bird pretty pink legs but they were bored of me

[@zoefiedler986]

Emily Poupart yeah but the captions were wrong last time i checked

[@zoefiedler986]

Veronica I think you got everything right I think it's paralyzing instead paralyized but besides that everything seems to fit

[@jannekeoldengarm]

I love this so incredibly much. I've at least watched this 10 times already.

[@jinxshijinx]

I've been coming back to this video at least once a month for like a year now, it still hits just as hard every time

[@Kainascorner]

My body will always yearn to hear this poem

[@pontiuspilot00]

My jaws just floored listening to her cadence while perfoming her piece.

[@pr2548]

I listen to this every fucking day

[@haydonleigh8489]

One of my favourite spoken word poems. This is actually incredible.

[@laurengivot8218]

This is so brilliant I'm speechless

[@finewhitewine]

So unique! Love!!!

[@embroideredskies6859]

yeeeeesss! shay's showing that ball state and midwestern talent!

[@caprice5491]

This is so unique and powerful. It's one of those poems that truly inspires me to keep writing poetry. Does anyone know of any good places to perform/watch slam poetry in Ohio?

[@ButtonPoetry]

Check out the Slamfind app for shows near you!

[@caprice5491]

Downloading it right now! Thanks!

[@christinaszuch5911]

If you're near the Columbus area, look up Writer's Block at Kafe Kerouac and Writing Wrongs at Ruby Tuesday :)

[@cloud3147]

AMAZING! Love the rythmn, absolutely entrancing.

[@zoefiedler986]

Wow this was amazing and the performance is so unique I will probably never forget it! Loved it!

[@shelbybriggs9393]

girl killed it

[@SALLY-fg7ys]

I've lived 20 prettybird years Of this great big prettybird life And i think i pretty pretty pretty bird bird pretty much know what im talking about People like to poke fun at my pretty bird pretty preening At my pretty pretty bird pretty feathers But look at my long clean coat At my pretty pretty bird pretty pink legs When pigeon men track me cross sky highway tHey are happy to trace hungry orange eyes between my pretty pretty bird bird feathers To busy fantasizing pretty bird Wet dreams swollen chest fluff fest To pretty poke bird fun To pretty poke fun bird To pretty bird bird pretty bird bird pretty pretty pretty Too busy fantasizing to poke fun at permanently preening pretty bird My vanity is insanity unless it helps get you off What a treat hosting eyes between my thighs They will spend equal time begging to share bed with me Condemning mediocrity How does one achieve complexity when all she was ever taught to be was basic Pigeon man wants pretty bird to pretty bird Until pretty bird fulfills ideas of prettiness Then shes too pretty pretty bird bird paralyzing and preened Look at my long clean coat At my pretty pretty bid pretty pink legs Track me cross sky highway Take a picture I beg you Take a picture pretty bird pretty bird My left side is my best side I have a best side I have a better half I am a half Pretty cus they want a pretty bird bird I grew up on a diet of bread crumbs catalog clippings and sidewalk cracks How do you expect anything else Pretty sure i know what im talking about Pretty sure pretty sure Maybe not Sorry sorry sorry sorry Can i ask a question Sorry sorrry May i may i Pretty bird used to sing Baby bird used to sing Baby bird was pretty bird before pretty bird learned to pretty And baby bird could compose whole symphonies Acute intricacies melodies capturing vacies poetry But the reviews came in and they prefered apology So she shrank learned to make herself small enough to nearly fit back in her eggshell to tip toe atop eggshells expanded flight just long enough for pigeon men to track her cross sky highway but still she sang too loud so they caged her up for her pretty pretty bird bird long clean coat for her pretty pretty bird pretty pink legs and they said sing pretty lady sing but I forgot how so I said pretty pretty bird bird look at my long clean coat at my pretty pretty bird pretty pink legs but they were bored of me

[@vaeamour3346]

this overwhelmed me. i was in tears by the end.

[@O___________0]

Sobbing i am sobbing

[@CherryBlossom-lp9zl]

"Pretty bird used to sing."

[@camryngiles8432]

this is INCREDIBLE.

[@naturallynicx2568]

this is amazing so powerful. this person has talent so moving to listen to this poem thankyou for that

[@EricaLaurenx3]

I haven't been able to stop thinking about this one since I watched it a few days ago... Genius! Wonderfully done! Beautiful and eerie at the same time, gave me chills!

[@_spt-warwolf_4575]

I know someone who memorized this whole thing and can say it perfectly

[@naominoop]

So amazing. I got chills

[@nayelisauroramanonfortunat2369]

I never get tired of this!!! I love it 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@sportsarchive2381]

I just now discovered this channel. I'm so happy something like this is real. Love it.

[@Aquintisburnett]

This was so true loved the metaphors

[@sparkgonedark2153]

I absolutely love her!!! Her imagery. I love her

[@theemelancholicgyal]

This was so... amazing.

[@cpoterry]

Holyshit That!! YYYEESSSSS I'm so glad this life time has your voice active within it! THAT WAS AMAZING!!!!

[@Lookatmeshine]

genuine chills...

[@raph8986]

That’s so wild i saw her perform this live in GA! Super dope poem

[@SailorCheesy]

beautiful.

[@mi_sa_j6001]

i love this so much

[@kaitlynskye23]

I've always wanted to go to a slam, but I can never find one near me.Does anyone know of any near houston texas?

[@ButtonPoetry]

Houston has a ton of great shows, including fellow poetry channel Write About Now (facebook.com/wanpoetry/). Check out the Slamfind app to find all the shows near you.

[@karlaaulcy5336]

Theres an app i believe. Slamfind or slamapp not really sure. though

[@gabriellameattray9778]

@@karlaaulcy5336 ugh it costs money

[@deathlyhallows8495]

I am literally speechless

[@EscapedMuffin]

love it so much

[@carolinehitchcock204]

Almost forgot to watch this today

[@DannyArteaga14]

INSANE TALENT!

[@wiredayan9719]

i really love this!!

[@ashbikuriakose9557]

so powerful, so beautiful.

[@jakemilligan5495]

MY LOVE! Your talent never ceases to amaze me

[@caelum31]

Damn. That was beautiful execution!!!

[@Xioooo]

This poem made me smile ☺️ loved it!

[@FushiginoKuni4]

I love this.

[@asiamarie4]

That was unreal

[@aliyahkennedy9917]

this hits home

[@algellish340]

I thought she was singing in the beginning, and I suppose that's ironic. Maybe she meant for it to sound like that. Probably.

[@Tanymami]

FUCKING PERIOD MAN !!!!!!!!!!!

[@deborahlugo9770]

Beautiful

[@papergirl3393]

i cried

[@candygirl460]

Wow. Amazing!

[@claudiaher98]

This was AMAZING.

[@jadekip1712]

This is amazing

[@musicsureroxursox]

YAAAAAAAAS!!!!!! BEEN WAITIN FOR THIS TO BE HERE

[@basielu]

I am in love with her cadence

[@twoeygray5186]

this was THE BEST poem at CUPSI 2016 bar none

[@resilientwriter]

HOLY SHIT. This is incredible and so unique.

[@leothelion6245]

This is fucking insane I'm losing it this is so good

[@cataciudad9938]

SO DAMN GOOD

[@lanaisnotokay]

I forgot how to breathe omg

[@beccasworld6336]

Is there a show near denver

[@ButtonPoetry]

+Becca's world Denver has at least two excellent slams! Check out the Slamfind app to find what's nearest to you.

[@kristenmckinney3771]

"And they were bored of me".

[@derekmartin2507]

Wow.

[@annamoon8684]

Can anyone write this poem down please? English isn't my first language and there are some words that I couldn't get.

[@AnaSantos-cs3zz]

Song of the Prettybird: I've lived 20 prettybird years Of this great big prettybird life And i think i pretty pretty pretty bird bird pretty much know what im talking about People like to poke fun at my pretty bird pretty preening At my pretty pretty bird pretty feathers But look at my long clean coat At my pretty pretty bird pretty pink legs When pigeon men track me cross sky highway they are happy to trace hungry orange eyes between my pretty pretty bird bird feathers To busy fantasizing pretty bird Wet dreams swollen chest fluff fest To pretty poke bird fun To pretty poke fun bird To pretty bird bird pretty bird bird pretty pretty pretty Too busy fantasizing to poke fun at permanently preening pretty bird My vanity is insanity unless it helps get you off What a treat hosting eyes between my thighs They will spend equal time begging to share bed with me Condemning mediocrity How does one achieve complexity when all she was ever taught to be was basic Pigeon man wants pretty bird to pretty bird Until pretty bird fulfills ideas of prettiness Then shes too pretty pretty bird bird paralyzing and preened Look at my long clean coat At my pretty pretty bid pretty pink legs Track me cross sky highway Take a picture I beg you Take a picture pretty bird pretty bird My left side is my best side I have a best side I have a better half I am a half Pretty cus they want a pretty bird bird I grew up on a diet of bread crumbs catalog clippings and sidewalk cracks How do you expect anything else Pretty sure i know what im talking about Pretty sure pretty sure Maybe not Sorry sorry sorry sorry Can i ask a question Sorry sorrry May i may i Pretty bird used to sing Baby bird used to sing Baby bird was pretty bird before pretty bird learned to pretty And baby bird could compose whole symphonies Acute intricacies melodies capturing vacies poetry But the reviews came in and they prefered apology So she shrank learned to make herself small enough to nearly fit back in her eggshell to tip toe atop eggshells expanded flight just long enough for pigeon men to track her cross sky highway but still she sang too loud so they caged her up for her pretty pretty bird bird long clean coat for her pretty pretty bird pretty pink legs and they said sing pretty lady sing but I forgot how so I said pretty pretty bird bird look at my long clean coat at my pretty pretty bird pretty pink legs but they were bored of me

[@SophieArabella]

Do any shows happen in NC? Like near Asheville?

[@JusticeAnimeGeek]

I've always wanted a place to read my poetry, but I'm beyond broke and can't really get around. So you have any suggestions? I'm in Las Vegas

[@ButtonPoetry]

We know of at least one regular poetry slam in Las Vegas! Check out the Slamfind app for more information on what's near you.

[@JusticeAnimeGeek]

+Button Poetry thank you very much

[@delaneyrose9180]

This just rocked me so hard.

[@lilysampson2079]

Does this have an ISBN?

[@softlop.]

does anyone know how old you need to be in order to be in a poetry slam?

[@arlettemoya1336]

wow

[@cassandratlatenchi5398]

Anyone know of any slam shows in the Los Angeles area besides over at DPL? Could never find new upcoming shows! Super curious.

[@delmicortave]

I love it, she is amazing the whole i have a better side was the best

[@benjiamo3899]

are there any poetry slams near Rochester new York?

[@naturallynicx2568]

niklaus davis there's an app called slamfind.. go download it'll show you where the next ones are etc

[@jougjimmadome]

killllll meeeeeeeeeeeeee im in love

[@sanjivanimandloi4843]

I really loved her delivery but failed to understand the meaning behind the poem. english is not my first language. please help?

[@motherhunk]

like how they asked her to sing, which is like to talk and say her own opinion, but she forgot how, so she tried to amuse them with her body, the "pretty" standard, but they got bored. I loved the end best

[@sanjivanimandloi4843]

+¿ Thanks a lot!

[@sanjivanimandloi4843]

+Izzy Otaku-chan thanks a lot!

[@angelal6908]

"my vanity's insanity unless it helps get you off." Men love to look at pretty women until the women agree that they're pretty, etc. Like you know how guys beg for naked pictures of girls until girls post naked pictures of themselves, then they're considered disgusting?

[@raerose619]

Men are nudged by their looks as well, it's just more acceptable to judge them than it is a women. People just need to stop judging everyone based off their looks and give a shit about the person.