Get to Know the Poet: Avery Clair
Maya Angelou inspires me, always. Her recollection of meeting Ms. Flowers and learning to speak through reading poetry has been a guiding light in my own life- I agree that poetry is meant to be spoken, as the human voice embeds the words with their meaning. In this way, every poem I write is meant to be read and shared aloud.
I had written poetry throughout my life, but it was within the Central Florida poetry community that I began to find my voice as a spoken word artist.
At first, it was very difficult; I couldn’t seem to break my monotonal habit, and stood stiffly on stage, as if I was just waiting for the moment in which I could run off of it. I was. I was terrified. But, I was also sure. So, I kept practicing…
And gradually, I improved. Within my consistency, I found a community; every time I marched up to the microphone carrying all the bravery I could muster, full rooms cheered me on.
Kind words of encouragement nudged me forward. And, hearing their poetry and stories served as a stark reminder that I was never alone in how I felt. I learned the true meaning of what it is to show up for others, and for them to show up for you.
I kept practicing…
I featured at the Wednesday Open Words and Writer’s Block open mics, joined the Breaking Bad slam team, and won the side slam at the Exit 36 poetry slam festival in 2023. I went on to compete in the Slam Madness poetry festival in Greenville, SC, and Southern Fried Poetry slam festival in Pompano Beach.
I began to feel much more comfortable on- and off- the stage. I kept performing, and explored new avenues of expression- haikus, short-form poems on random subjects, acrostic poetry, redaction poetry…
I had been writing with a typewriter that I’d had since I was a teenager, and when I realized that I didn’t need to own just one… It was a revelation! I discovered Qwertyfest and embarked on a quest to the origin of typewriters, in which I not only discovered a passion for repairs, but found even more community.
In a merging of passions, I’ve been enjoying focusing on “poetry on demand,” in which I create custom typewritten poems on the spot. I’ve witnessed how the typewriter can serve as a medium to facilitate meaningful connections and catharsis. It’s an honor to be able to create a space in which we can find the right words.
I may be reached via email at: canarysongpoetry@gmail.com
