I remember reading more traditional types of poetry and thinking, "how pretentious." Then, I watched Def Poetry Jam and became captivated. People told me I had a way with words, but most of my written works were songs. I am far from the world's best singer, which greatly hindered my desire to share my work with others. I started turning my songs to poems and creating beats to fit with my verses so I could experience the thrill of performing. I've been inspired by everyone from Maya Angelou to Alix Olson to Saul Williams to the unknowns who have performed at all the poetry slams I've been to and many, many more.