
Life in Spokane with Power 2 The Poetry
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.
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