Sarah Kay & Phil Kaye "An Origin Story"

Sarah Kay & Phil Kaye, Project VOICE, perform "an orgin story", the story of how they began. Project V.O.I.C.E. (Vocal Outreach Into Creative Expression) is a national movement that celebrates and inspires youth self-expression through Spoken Word Poetry. Conceived in 2004, Project V.O.I.C.E. encourages young people to engage with the world around them and use Spoken Word Poetry as an instrument through which they can explore and better understand their culture, their society, and ultimately themselves. Project V.O.I.C.E. brings together performance, writing, and a supportive environment to inspire youth to recognize that their views are significant, valid, and necessary.

[@PKennedy18]

I think Phil and Sarah are soulmates. Soulmates don't have to be romantic.

[@PKennedy18]

Also. This is my favorite of all spoken word poetry. I can recite most of it. I've probably listened to it 70+ times.

[@kitsontuli2713]

i was thinking the exact same thing. Many people do not understand the concept of soulmates.

[@kidewitt]

I can recite the to this day poem by heart

[@PKennedy18]

I can too! I love Shane.

[@shoutingangshuoffical]

+Kennedy Thompson Yes but can you imagine if their respective spouses/partners didn't understand that concept. I hope they find good hearted romantic partners if they choose to do so :)

[@pinkinthenight]

Sarah: Prepare for trouble Phil: And make it double

[@cynxxx8168]

yES

[@gabbyalivio5692]

@@cynxxx8168 jESSIE

[@basementdweller1625]

JAMES!

[@gardeniac.3782]

Their parents should have jumped out and say a cool line

[@christinalipez6874]

YES

[@tracihenderson4045]

"Who is woman enough to be best man at your wedding." I love that.

[@itstracy9208]

Traci Henderson my Tracy like yur but spelt with a y ☺️☺️

[@janvigandhi4569]

Me too

[@SnehaGubbala27]

People really need to understand that romantic love isn't necessarily the strongest love.

[@ThePinksparkle101]

Preach

[@leezaaneja1213]

Exactly.

[@aurghh]

Sneha Gubbala it’s actually the weakest imo.

[@taylormeganprice]

"When you are old and can no longer remember my face, I will meet you for the first time again and again' That is so beautiful.

[@fairycars]

im crying

[@jesssc402]

What if their fate takes them on the same route yet again and forget each other’s faces...?

[@RockKendall]

@@fairycars me too!

[@aviva4184]

yeah thats when i started crying

[@wolsi]

that part hit me the hardest :')

[@acegardner2966]

This is friendship goals.

[@kaitlynpulsipher5039]

honestly

[@jvliebeth]

people in the comments really think they understand the poem but then they say "they should date!" no. this whole poem explains why they shouldn't.

[@Hannah-en7wv]

SarahBingham9 They love each other dearly, but they aren't in love. Loving someone doesn't mean you need to see them in a romantic way or feel attracted to them, and just being best friends doesn't make their love any less sincere.

[@lesedi428]

@@Hannah-en7wv 💯

[@karmabelieverI]

They are simply companions and best for each other.

[@conansmaniac4459]

I needed somebody to say that

[@shrutishroti5998]

And that's the beauty of it though 😅

[@KarolinaLopez]

This is so perfect, I needed this. I'm tired of people weighing romantic love as better than platonic love. But this shows how powerful having a true friendship is.

[@FluidlyWillful]

+Karolina It's nice that they can have a sincere friendship, that is in quite some senses like you'd have in a relationship, without the glue-reward (that might one day no longer work) and payment-bartering tool (that can always be with-held) of sex.

[@elizabethbennet4791]

i knoooooow

[@august1224]

Agreed |-/💛

[@kavya914]

Yessssss

[@divita5717]

omg yessss also |-/

[@emma-rc1sb]

"I was looking fly" "He looked like a tool" 😂😂😂

[@georgeweasley54]

True friendship

[@novahelixable6685]

@Dawson Bellingham 3 years late but ok

[@jaimiwalton6893]

People who keep saying they should get married or are "destined" to be together, you're missing the entirety of this poem. It's about having someone who can be your deepest of friends without anymore to be expected, who will stand beside you and behind you each and every time you need them, about loving another person because what they add to your life is enjoyment, kindness and friendship. It's about baring your soul to another person with never the desire to bare your bodies.

[@tashmaxwell3774]

Then Jared and Jensen

[@mimiG478]

Thank you!!!

[@basmalasaad3039]

"It's about baring your soul to another person with never a desire to bare your bodies" dammmn😍

[@azrasadri]

I don't think so, when you get a partner you wouldn't be happy with her/him. You'll always look for her/him in your partner and your partner will be tired one day trying to make you happy more then her/him because when we're in love we tend to make our partner most comfortable and happy with ourselves. And when you know any of your relationships is going to destroy someone's life trying to be someone they aren't then you should stop there. Don't fall in love where you've already been fallen for someone else and you don't know about it, no one deserves half lover.

[@annalilyyy3831]

Sarah Kay: It started with a sweater. Phil Kaye: I was looking fly. First day of college orientation as a freshman… plus, I’m the type of guy who’s always trying to make a good impression. Sarah: He looked like a tool. And it’s the first week of school, so I’ve got people to meet and things to try. I don’t have time to waste on this guy loitering backstage at a talent show. Phil: It started with a freshman talent show, a chance to showcase what I know about spoken word and poetry and try and get some people to notice me. Sarah: It started with a technical difficulty - Phil: some sort of delay - Sarah: somebody’s iPod track wouldn’t play. Phil: So I’m stuck waiting backstage when I notice this girl - Sarah: and he walks over, stupid sweater and all. There was nowhere to run, backstage was too small. Phil: And I’m so nervous about going onstage, I decide to strike up a conversation. Sarah: Oh, sorry, I completely got ahead of myself. I totally skipped introductions. My name is Sarah Kay. Phil: My name is Phil Kaye. I’m from California - Sarah: born and raised in NYC. Phil: Let’s see, fun fact about me - Both: My mom is Japanese and my dad is Jewish. Sarah: Not a common combination, but I think it’s kinda cute. People call me Japajew - Phil: Jewpanese - Sarah: Ashkenazi kamikaze. Phil: And come December - Both: Hanukkah and Christmas! Sarah: Plus, you should taste my mother’s brisket. Jan has matzah ball soup with noodles…brings my father Jeffrey to his knees. Phil: It took mom and dad to raise this lanky, cock-eyed, half-breed. Sarah: Well, I think that’s it. My mom, my dad, and me - oh, plus my little brother. He’s eighteen. Phil: My little sister is a deadpan firecracker. She’s only eighteen, but she keeps me on track. Part of her name is Sarah. Sarah: My little brother’s name is Phillip. Both: Anyway- Sarah: Where was I? Phil: It started with a backstage interaction. Sarah: No, it started with a backward first impression. Phil: Okay, well, I’ll tell you where it didn’t start. It didn’t start at fifth grade summer camp. Sarah: That’s true, it did not start at junior lifeguards. Even though we were both there. Phil: Matching red bathing suits, white t-shirts, visors, and our counsellor - Both: Mr. Johnson. Sarah: Who probably figured that the shy girl in his morning class - Phil: and the skinny kid in his afternoon class - Both: were… cousins?! Sarah: Probably thought we carpooled over together - Phil: in between family photoshoots and fourth of July barbecues. Sarah: But instead, we merely co-existed - Phil: almost met but always missed it - Sarah: spinning around like two sides of a coin Phil: Look! Both: We’ve done the research! Sarah: And we swear, we’re not related. Phil: And we’ve never dated. Both: And we’re never… EVER… going to. Phil: Because what are the chances of finding someone with your last name Sarah: Japanese and Jewish with siblings called the same? Phil: What are the odds of finding someone - Sarah: who can finish your sentences - Phil: who will let you cut in line - Sarah: who knows not to just lend a hand, or an ear when you need them to give you their spine - Phil: who is woman enough to be best man at your wedding - Sarah: who will keep every secret, save every letter, tell you how you really look - Phil: who will remember every single one of your birthdays - Sarah: without checking Facebook? Phil: What are the odds of finding someone who knows your poetry by heart - Sarah: who won’t freak out if you’re hanging out and accidentally fart? Phil: Yeah. If you have a date and you need to look fresh, I will let you borrow… my hair products. Sarah: And if you don’t have a date and you need to look fresh, I will let you borrow… my cousin. Phil: I will always see you for the alley-oop. Sarah: I will always save you a seat. Phil: I will always pick you to be my partner even though you are terrible at handball. Sarah: When the fire takes all you have, my home will be your home. Phil: When you are old and can no longer remember my face, I will meet you for the first time again and again. Sarah: When they make fun of your accent, I will take you swimming because we all sound the same underwater. Phil: When Ellis Island tries to erase your past, I will call you by your real name. Sarah: When they call your number for the draft, I will enlist to fight beside you. Phil: And I will march with you from Selma to Montgomery and back as many times as it takes. Sarah: We will stand together against the hoses and the dogs - Both: because it didn’t start with us. Phil: It started with Lennon and McCartney. Sarah: It started with Thelma and Louise. Phil: It started with Winnie-the-Pooh and Christopher Robin. Sarah: Bert and Ernie! Phil: Abbott and Costello! Sarah: Rosencrantz and Guildenstern! Phil: Mario and Luigi! Sarah: Watson and Sherlock! Phil: Pikachu and Charizard! And they could tell you what a miracle this is. Sarah: They could tell you how rare this is. Phil: But they could tell you how rare friendship always is. Sarah: The chances are slim. Phil: The cards are always stacked against you, the odds are always low. Both: But I have seen the best of you, and the worst of you, and I choose both. Phil: I want to share every single one of your sunshines and save some for later Sarah: I will tuck them into my pockets so I can give them back to you when the rains fall hard. Both: Friend - Phil: I want to be the mirror that reminds you to love yourself. Sarah: I want to be air in your lungs that reminds you to breathe easy. Phil: When the walls come down - Sarah: when the thunder rumbles - Both: when nobody else is home, hold my hand - Phil: and I promise - Both: I won’t let go.

[@javieraromero8611]

+Anna lilyyy Thank you so much!!!, i dont speak english pretty well and this is a huge help

[@ms10089]

thank youuuu

[@ms10089]

ok i just finished reading and im sobbing im

[@pi6995]

+Anna lilyyy THANK YOU SO MUCH SQDJFHSKJDHFF

[@amiramustaffa948]

THANK YOU

[@The020300knp]

platonic soulmates are so important and need to be brought up more

[@yaminikrishnan6350]

I love this, because platonic love is so underrated. Thank you.

[@ayydubs987]

half of these comments are undermining platonic love by saying that romantic love is somehow higher and stronger. seems like a lot of people completely missed the point of the poem

[@user-hb3qv1eh5e]

Yup. They performed at my school and worked with us. They did this one. So amazing!

[@amypond6357]

''WHO IS WOMAN ENOUGH TO BE BEST MAN AT YOUR WEDDING'' GOOSEBUMPS

[@natalietorres3467]

Is this because of the whole Love Rosie thing? XD

[@RavynSkye617]

When someone is like you that much, your relationship turns more into a sibling kind of love...

[@saravalk1299]

Yes that is so true!

[@blondedancer987]

I wonder if their brother and sister Phil and Sarah are also friends...

[@margotnicole98]

blondedancer987 That would be awesome!!!

[@lesedi428]

😂😂😂yeah hey

[@luqmanakashah2522]

you sir, are asking the right questions! hahaha

[@saarahali1512]

I bet they are!

[@shinylipscosmetics]

FREINDSHIP. FUCKING. GOALS. I was thinking that the entire time.

[@Francesca-bm5yt]

Proof that a platonic love between a guy and a girl exists :)

[@unbiased786]

Extremely hard to accept. It's a male weakness. He's thought about it. May be realised the friendship was worth more. With that many coincidences, he's thought about it. Or i guess most of us homo-sapiens sons of Adam are weaker than other sons.

[@jade-nl3cs]

@@unbiased786 you must be super insecure

[@daniellabonnin4268]

When Sarah and Phil said... "I want to be the mirror that reminds you to love yourself... I want to be the air in your lungs that reminds you to breathe easy." I WANT THAT.

[@WoahYouExist]

That's the most beautiful type of relationship I've ever seen and it makes me smile.

[@fiev]

Yeah

[@nicolefelizarta2350]

LET US CONGRATULATE BOTH OF THEM FOR MAKING MY FABORITE POEM CALLED "WHEN LOVE ARRIVES"

[@nicolefelizarta2350]

*FAVORITE

[@lesedi428]

I listened to it for the first time today and it's so beautiful 😢

[@Fmradio803]

Nicole Felizarta it’s been 4 years for me! It’s a forever favorite!

[@nisharangdal781]

First off... the co-incidences. My brain just exploded at those. Secondly, the friendship... I have never ever ever seen such beautiful friendship between two people who are not in "love" with each other in the way all of us assume. But who love each other like the deepest of friends. Such friendship is SO hard to come by these days, and I don't think I've ever seen any two people so close to each other. I loved how personal and fun this was, and this is one of the best Spoken Word Poetry pieces I have seen. Sarah and Phil, I hope you're friendship survives anything and everything, and I hope the two of you make many more memories together and that you'll cherish each and every one of them. You have something extremely rare between the two of you, and I hope that light never dies. All the best! :D

[@clarissac6570]

I'm so in love with this. Platonic love is so important.

[@gyaradolce]

they're platonic soul mates its a relationship that doesn't have to be romantic but it can run deeper than anything else

[@alltheleaveswerebrown]

This is the most precious thing I've ever heard.

[@keeganfilms8599]

i know what you mean

[@kavya914]

Yes

[@lexuhpro]

THIS IS ALL TRUE?????? My jaw was dropped so fast

[@fluffypancakes15]

Lexie Jordan yeah she talks about him in a few of her poems. I'm not familiar with Phil but he might. I'm not sure.

[@bethrsd3938]

I love watching this because it reminds me that friendships like this on are possible.

[@bethrsd3938]

*one

[@MrDBrown25]

I have seen the best of you and the worst of you and I choose both. one of my favorite parts

[@davieg2]

"What are the odds of finding someone who knows your poetry by heart?" This line gets me every time

[@SpiltMilkyWay]

Video: "We are not dating and we are never going to because we value each other as friends." Comments: omg they should totally get married!!! omg they're so perfect for each other!!!

[@theBFFwebshowMandH]

See this is what people don't get. People can have a giant emotional bond without dating, and this is a perfect example

[@Alistairwithafour]

When they call your number for the draft i will enlist to fight beside you. That broke me.

[@chadphriday197]

Madness. Utter madness. We all wish we had friendships like this.

[@shariporter6002]

Chad Phriday I don't have to wish. I've got plenty like this.

[@smokesparkles777]

I have one, its insaine

[@RedRiverTrail]

Every kiss begins with Kay(e)

[@sexycamelfuls]

omg haha

[@angelapanis]

you're amazing

[@MusicISlove9224]

omg if this is not proof that life is amazing i dont know what is. Do you comprehend how many things have to fall together to have those two people up there writing such beautiful poetry. I am in awe of the universe

[@ahmedzainelabdeen654]

It’s 2022 and back to watch this again

[@madisonhernandez3857]

It hit me hardest when she said, "When they call your number for the draft I will enlist a fight beside you." I don't really know why,

[@kellyswenson5565]

Madison Hernandez I noticed that her demeanor changed when she said that. It seems like it was hard for her to say for whatever reason. . .I noticed her voice kind of cracked? Maybe that's why it hit you so hard

[@stellastarfield1111]

@@kellyswenson5565 It was her conviction. "I will NOT let you go alone." Her love for him mader her emotional over the idea of him getting drafted into war.

[@HalidaSarahShahed]

Kay & Keye, I have been coming and coming and listening you forever and forever. ❤️ From 🇧🇩

[@laylavinson5454]

"But I have seen the best of you, and the worse of you, and I choose both." I get chills just thinking about this line, there's such unconditional love in it.

[@stellastarfield1111]

Platonic Soul Mates. What a beautiful soul contract! "I have seen the best of you and the worst of you and I choose BOTH"

[@ellafearless9700]

So theyre basically the same person

[@sharnaramsden8700]

Friendship like this is irreplaceable.. To waste a bond like that on a relationship that could fail would be silly. There the friends that go to each other when their relationships go wrong. Their friendship is perfect.

[@claudiacorr9306]

They were made for each other, not in a romantic sense but in an artistic one. Their style just flows perfectly together it's so gripping

[@paigeandkari830]

"I've seen the best of you and the worst of you, and I chose both." My heart melted. This friendship is everything 💫💕

[@TheJessicaPrince]

I cried. They were totally made for each other, platonic or not

[@LilianTahmasian]

This was so so beautiful!!!

[@sora2541]

"When you are old and can no longer remember my face, I will meet you for the first time again and again". Best quote ever.

[@kahunanichung6085]

“Who knows not to just lend a hand, or an ear, when you need them to give you their spine” this line is so beautiful to me for some reason

[@PurposefullyAimless]

Happy 10 years together!

[@kits7913]

FRIENDSHIP GOALS OMG

[@eggbertmcflubermuffin9550]

11 years late to this masterpiece but I just wanted to say, I've spent many a drunken night scrolling through the button poetry catalogue searching for new stuff. Every once in a while I find something new that I like, but the last time I found something so emotionally powerful was Neil Hilborns OCD. this hit me in a way i truely didn't expect and i'm forever grateful i found it.

[@simplysweet5678]

I’ve been watching this for 10 years and it still makes me sob.

[@hyperactivegenie]

Are you kidding me!? These two are amazing. This is epic! ...and "never"? Are you sure? Can people be too perfect for each other?

[@aurorarockets]

I think I would be kind of freaked out if I found someone who had so much in common with me as these two have. Although, very happy nevertheless! :) Sarah and Phil work great together.

[@thandonzuza153]

Sarah and Phil are two of my favourite poets ever. I've been watching their videos for years. HOW IS IT THEN THAT AFTER ALL THESE YEARS I'M ONLY DISCOVING THIS POEM TODAY???💕😭

[@umnothanks9504]

help i’m obsessed with them-

[@msleahpanini7519]

I can't wait to find someone like this.

[@isabelnavarrete9873]

People keep saying that they should get married. What people don't realize is that what they have IS love. It may not be romantic, but they obviously love each other. They "share a soul"; They can be platonic and love each other at the same time.

[@lemssnicket]

I am physically incapable of watching this and not crying

[@indigopai]

I finally saw this live last week--and was blessed enough to meet them--and even if I basically know this by heart I found myself crying. Their bond is so strong and so magical! So neat! Gives me hope in friendship. :D

[@goldenarias]

Does anyone else wish they had actually held hands toward the end?

[@najimabh7643]

i fucking do.

[@Koribaby1]

This poem is still the cutest thing.

[@amessingswhaatt]

This never gets old and makes me cry every single time.

[@RainingStars2000]

This is beautiful; I'm on the verge of tears. I love how in sync they are. I wish I had a friend like this.

[@aprylazarel4170]

words cannot describe how much i love this

[@tamayagarner1542]

YAY FOR FRIENDSHIPS!!!!!!!!! YOU TWO ARE AMAZING

[@mary8mcdowell]

Pretty awesome, for sure! Love the words of commitment!

[@streetyouth3689]

This is the most pure friendship I’ve ever seen, they are true soulmates, they don’t have to be in love it doesn’t have to be romantic simply platonic it’s beautiful💕

[@zionlioness10]

I still love this poem and can't get over it. It's amazing!

[@sarahbrown1351]

Beautiful! I love their depiction of friendship. It is true. It is a rare and beautiful thing to find someone who will take the good and bade about you and cherish it. I especially like the line "I want to be the mirror to remind you to love yourself." That is a great friend. I can think of a couple friends who I like to be that for, and who are definitely that for me.

[@azul4904]

kindred spirits💞

[@irrelevantnicolesmith6711]

Back in 7th grade, my teacher introduced my class to these two poets. I remember the look of awe on her face when she watched them for (probably the 100th time) and saw that we enjoyed slam poetry. Later that week we all created our own versions of slam poetry. She was one of the best teachers ever.

[@maiahisula4585]

I just started listening to spoken poetry, and I have really loved the way Sarah speaks. It's so full of emotion different from most others. Can someone suggest other poets that have the same way of talking?

[@user-hb3qv1eh5e]

I was blessed with the opportunity to work with Sarah! She came to our school twice and shared a few poems, included this one with Phil! She even worked with us individually. I’m performing spoken word for talent at my state NAM pageant this year. She is so talented and inspirational, him aswell! Such amazing role models with a true gift. Feeling inspired!

[@TalesOfATeaAddict]

The ultimate brotip. Ahh that was awesome. I have spiraled into a frenzy of slam poety and I don't feel like stopping...on to the next.

[@xamified4432]

I've seen this before and whenever I see it again, it always makes me smile.

[@azul4904]

e two always make me cry, talk about destiny

[@brunapalitot4463]

I can't believe I never watched this video until today. I love "when love arrives" and rewatched it over and over again throughout the years, trying to mitigate the hunger for more. And today, a sad day of quarantine, I found this precious poem. It is perfect in so many ways. It really made me smile and cry at the same time. Thank you.

[@cheesiscool335444]

I love how this was recorded by Jeffrey Kay

[@peeyarlmarie]

Please come to Cebu, Philippines. Not only Manila. Please. I beg of you. You have many fans here. Fans of Spoken Word as well. T_T

[@erminiaseverino7974]

i think this soul connection is the highest level to reach

[@shaziyasheikh1137]

Those male friends who are only male friends and don't want to be more than that are important...Phill seems like that❤️

[@divineebony8632]

they're the kind of soulmates that aren't romantic.

[@sergisitamari]

Bonnie we must work together to get to this new level of friendship goals lmfao😂😂😂

[@Raphael_NYC]

2022, just stared listening to Sarah. Speachless. Thank you.

[@klu222]

I clapped in my living room :) that was fantastic!

[@zariah9402]

"When they make fun of you accent I will take you swimming, because we all sound the same under water.." ❤

[@steffiliclican7909]

For how many years i've been listening and watching this piece of them. I totally love this! A FAN OF YOURS Srah Kay and Phil Kaye!!

[@brighidcampbell491]

Thank you for writing a poem thst elevates platonic love to the status is deserves. Yall are amazing.

[@temiloluwaadeniyi-aogo5554]

This is so beautiful! I can't recount how many times I've watched this. I just can't get enough of it.

[@kirstyemmabrown9067]

those coincidences 😱

[@erinf3992]

"But I have seen the best of you and the worst of you, and I chose both".

[@cascante3784]

I absolutely love these two poets, not only their story is so beautiful but their project is truly inspiring.

[@pj-sq9pp]

this will forever and always be my favorite poem, along with When Love Arrives also by Sarah and Phil. So so good together.

[@xxNikkeh]

I have found my soulmate. On Omegle. It's crazy how alike we are, mentally, and when we met we said the same sort of things. We enjoy the same literary greats, and we share the same opinion on the 'outside world', all of the 'other people' who 'aren't like us'. I don't know, miracles can happen, I guess.

[@geeksqueak7123]

Ali Duval Respect.

[@xxNikkeh]

It wasn't on the video chat side of things, nope. No penises waving in the air.

[@geeksqueak7123]

xxNikkeh Fantastic! I love hearing these stories :) I hope you are very happy together, and have a wonderful relationship. You people deserve everything you can have, and please stay together when times get rough.

[@xxNikkeh]

GeekSqueak rough is an underestimation. He is by all means my soulmate, but we cannot be together simply because he gratifies and partakes in drug abuse. But yes, despite the roughness, I guess having a soulmate brings you comfort.

[@geeksqueak7123]

xxNikkeh Fix him :)

[@samanthabailey6900]

Ultimate friendship goals 💕👌🏼 this is absolute perfection

[@miadouglas1631]

I absolutely love them. They came and did a poetry workshop and performed for us. It was very enlightening and exciting. I admire them both.

[@TheNerdyChive]

Shoutout to my English teacher for showing this in class. This is one of the greatest things I’ve ever seen

[@anthonynorcott2068]

I find myself coming back to this every so often. I love both of them as poets, but i love their story as friends as well. This is a great poem in form and delivery. I usually don't comment on things, even after years of watching people and writing myself, but tonight i felt more moved then ever. I honestly don't know why.

[@ashlynelmer4147]

Friendship goals🔥

[@seoyeonpark469]

I come and watch this over and over again because I love it so much

[@samanthasisemore4388]

I love them so much. This is the first spoken word that ever made me cry. This is beauty, pure and unadulterated beauty.