Broken Silence by Brok'N Sylance
Spoken-word editor Jacqueline Boucher on today's poem: What’s in a name? In “Broken Silence,” Brok'N Sylance examines identity with a careful ear to rhythm. The poem builds on the strength of percussive consonants and deft utilization of rhyme, made all the more urgent by the poet's delivery. Through this, she not only asserts her presence, her permanence, but demands her audience listen and take note.
Listen to the poem below, or read a transcript of the poem here.
[audio]http://passagesnorth.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Video-2-Broken-Silence-Poem.mp3[/audio]
Brok'N Sylance (Broken Silence) is a spoken-word poet who believes God is best at using things when they are broken. Originally from Harlem, New York, she is a first-generation Ghanian-American woman who shares a love for people, poetry, and the planet. Brok'N Sylance's experience reading her poems in churches and for community organizations has given her a deep love for acting on the things she speaks about. Participating in organizations like the NAACP, The Boston Workers Alliance, Green For All and Women's Global Leadership Initiative continues to give her writing the critical perspective she needs to stay engaged and active with current societal issues. She currently lives in Oakland, California, is a member of the Ghana Poetry Project, is the newest board member of California Poets in Schools and holds a BA in English from Spelman College.
