Whenever I’m in the company of such people—writers, poets, spoken word performers, and people who use language and literature to help others—I’m always struck by the richness, variety, and depth of their work. Part of the service I can do is to pass on their words and talents to others. So for the next few days, I’m going to introduce a few of the extraordinary people I came to know at the NAPT convention. Today, it’s Gayle Danley.
In 1994, a few weeks after discovering Slam poetry, Gayle Danley became 1994 National Individual Slam Poet. Two years later she became International Slam Poetry Champion. (If you’re not sure what slam poetry is, check out some great examples here and here.)
There’s no such thing as watching Gayle. To be at one of her performances goes way beyond watching. You are swept into a maelstrom of feelings, experiences, and words. She shouts, moves, dances, and weeps—and the audience with her.
When she teaches poetry, she cuts to the core. No discussions of form and structure, no coming up with analogies and alliteration, but a focus on gut feeling and truth. If you believe writing should be powerful, simple, truthful, authentic, direct, and unpretentious, get to know this poet.
You can learn more about Gayle, purchase her CDs, and hear an interview she did with NPR at http://www.gayledanley.com/.
Is this the Gayle of which you spoke??