This month we’re sharing a poem by Bethany Montgomery, founder of Power 2 The Poetry. Bethany is a 23 year-old graduate of Eastern Washington University (MBA), and P2TP is a performing arts LLC that, as Bethany explains, “entertains, educates, motivates, and activates” through spoken word poetry. The group, spearheaded by Bethany, speaks at schools, emcees at political rallies, mentors youth, teaches writing workshops, and also offers consulting services. “We are on a mission to connect humanity through conversations that are considered perplexing,” Bethany wrote me in an email. They don’t offer solutions but instead “encourage the audience to be the solution, because transformation starts from within.” 

In October, P2TP gave a TedX talk called “Poetry as Activism,” available to view on YouTube. On stage, Bethany talks about the full ride for basketball she received to EWU (“Go Eags!” she cheers), and how, when her basketball career was cut short by health issues—a literal hole in her heart—she turned to poetry. 

What’s particularly beautiful about Bethany’s writing and performances is her ability to convey both vulnerability and strength, authority and compassion. She’s able to peel back the veneer normally pasted over difficult conversations about race, gender, privilege, and bigotry, and still never wander from a message of hope and love. Her work is a call to action for all of us, and it glows with affection for Spokane. Here’s a poem she’s asked me to share, and I recommend watching the video of Bethany reading this on the Power 2 The Poetry Facebook page, as well; her delivery shouldn’t be missed.

“Life In Spokane” by Bethany Montgomery of Power 2 The Poetry

Spokane

Spoken

Eyes wide open

To infinite possibilities

Constantly fueling my dreams

With endless amounts of scenes

Whether I’m playing in the trees

Or running around downtown

In a jungle of concrete

Hikes at Bowl and Pitcher

To embrace the bigger picture

When looking into the Spokane river

The experience is as metaphorical

As when I look myself in the mirror

Sometimes I feel as though

I am a fish swimming against the current

Fighting oppression, discrimination, and preconceived judgments

Being told that Spokane is not a good place to start a poetry movement

But for me

Spokane has become a solution

See

I choose to tap-in

Into the potential of Spokane

Many think Spo-can’t

But I know Spo-can

There is opportunity in this community

And we all have the chance to be major influences

Yes

We will be met with opposition

Which will not stop our progression

I am here to instill culture, diversity, and inclusion

Power 2 The Poetry

It is more than a movement

It is a way to prove that Spokane is different

That in Spokane you can be respected even if you have a difference of opinion

That in Spokane you won’t be discriminated against because of the color of your skin

That in Spokane it is ok to be openly lesbian

That in Spokane there is equality

And people don’t worry about Pedigree

That in Spokane I can unapologetically be me

That in Spokane everyone can be who they want to be

But you see

This Spokane is not yet a real thing

This Spokane is still a dream

Just like the Zags winning the whole thing

And finally bringing an NCAA basketball championship to the city

Because

Go Eags

But I do believe that dreams come true

So if you truly support what I say

Then you too will realize that YOU

Are the key to Spokane’s breakthrough

We all deserve to live our best lives

And freely live our truths

Come on Spokane

It’s time for change

We don’t have much to lose

But so much more to prove

The change starts with you

So please

BE the breakthrough

—Get involved with Power 2 The Poetry by attending one of their events and following their social media feeds. They’re on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, @power2thepoetry, or catch them on their website at power2thepoetry.com. Please note: a version of this poem also appeared in The Spokesman Review.