Often, when high school and college students interview me for research papers or class presentations, I get asked about what inspires me. The answer is usually a hodgepodge of influences: books, music, movies, my family and friends, strangers, random incidents. The sources vary a lot from time to time, too, which is a good thing I guess.

These days, I’ve been getting plenty of inspiration from YouTube videos of poets and spoken word artists. Sarah Kay is a bit younger than my other favorites, but she’s definitely up there with all the modern literary rock stars—her words are honest and charming, and she has such a huge heart for teens like you. I remember watching her performance of “Montauk” about ten times in one night, and bursting into embarrassing tears when I heard her reading of “Postcards” (the last line is killer).

This poem, “B,” is the first Sarah Kay piece I ever encountered, and I have a feeling you’ll also be hooked on her work once you watch it.

“This world is made out of sugar; it can crumble so easily but don’t be afraid to stick out your tongue and taste it.”

Love always,
Marla