Four years ago I was still healing from the loss of my father. I was braver than I thought I could be. I performed at the Compound. The Compound have spoken word or poetry night almost every month.

I’ve always been an avid supporter of the Compound. I love going and listening to all the great poets. I would leave each time being more motivated and humbled. It never mattered what the topic was, I was enchanted and inspired.

If you have never been, you’re missing out. I wanted to get up each time, but was too scared, too nervous. I mean, these are professional spoken word artist who have been perfecting their craft for years! Here I was, couldn’t even memorize one poem and they where spitting out two and three a night. That made me content enough to enjoy watching and hearing them.

I agreed to perform before my dad passed. Who would have thought I would still have the courage to do it? What gave me the courage? My dad gave me the courage. I realized during this time that tomorrow is never promised.

With the loving support of my friends and the Compound family, I pushed through. They were surprised as much as I was that I would still do it. When I tell you I was shaking in my boots (literally), I was so afraid! I’m thankful for everyone that pushed me forward. Sometimes we just have to step out and do it. This was a great healing experience for me.