Student Youssef Biaz recites poetry at White House Poetry Night

[jn0imagination]

proud to say that I went to high school with Youssef! Great job!

[Dancingismylife2211]

@guyNbluejeans I don't see it that way what so ever. I am currently about to start competing in this compatition, and it's a way for young people like myself to connect with poetry, and show our love of it, to really bring it to life. The fact that you would simply down him because he isn't up to your standards is wrong. He had guts to do this. He connected to this poem. And for you to critisize that is wrong. No one said that he's Shakespeare. No one could live up to that. But dont down others.

[PoetAnj]

Let me just say that Sharon Olds is one of the best contemporary poets out there today, and I'm sorry that her style did not satisfy the other commenter. The good news is that there are a variety poets with many different styles. If folks will just give poetry a chance and really listen to the messages, they will begin to feel the power in poetry and how it can capture beauty and truth, and spread some peace and understanding into this hurting world. Hats off to the young student & Ms. Olds!

[guyNbluejeans]

I made it to 1:58 before I could take no more.

This stands as an example of one of the many horrors that's going on in this country: The artificial ascension of mediocrity due to political correctness. It boggles the mind that this type of lameness is being validated this way. It sends the message out that standards, effort, taste and expectations count for nothing. Just slap some dumb crap together and refrain from laughing out loud ... and saps will tell you you're up there with Shakespeare!!

[Rotionpotion]

@guyNbluejeans I'm interested in what you mean. How do you read a good poem?