Artist Statement:
Hello, my name is Tiffany Parks. I was born and raised in Oak Park, IL. I attended Oak Park and River Forest High school. I first realized I was interested in poetry my sophomore year. I was approached by an amazing writer named Mr. Khan who was over the Spoken Word Club. When we would meet, we would write, critique, and gather together to prepare for our performances. I gained a lot of inspiration from working with so many other talented writers and performers. We would put on spoken word shows for our families and fellow students where we would compile separate poems, put together a performance and have a great time. I learned so much about different writing styles and performance techniques. I wrote and performed for 3 years and I loved every second of it. Since entering college, I still write and have performed a couple of times but I hope to pursue a Master’s degree in creative writing with a concentration in poetry. I would love to publish a book of my poetry one day. I hope to inspire and encourage anyone who loves writing. Always remember why you write and what you wish to accomplish. Stay with it and be great! Hope you enjoy this piece. Thanks!
Tiffany E. Parks
INK CARESSING BLUE LINES
DANCING IN BETWEEN PINK BORDERS
RUNNING FROM TOP TO BOTTOM
IT SPEAKS
SAYING EVERYTHING THAT CAN’T BE SAID
EXPRESSING DEEP SECRETS THAT NO HUMAN EAR CAN HEAR
SINGING LOUDLY LIKE NO ONE IS LISTENING
AT EASE NOT LIKE BEING IN THE PRESENCE OF OTHERS
RELAXING SO INK CAN RUN SMOOTHLY
BEING CAREFUL TO DOT EVERY i
CROSS EVERY t
DUMPING EMPTY PROMISES OUT
THROWING DOWN BROKEN DATES ONTO WHITE SPACES
FEELING UNEASY NOW
*TAKES DEEP BREATHE*
INK REGAINS COMPOSURE
READY TO RELEASE ITS INSIDES
READY TO BEAR IT’S SOUL
READY TO BE READ
IT SLOWLY APPROACHES THE BOTTOM
BEING CAREFUL NOT TO CRASH LAND
SOFTLY TOUCHING DOWN
HAPPILY DANCING TO THE END
| Euphemism Campus Box 4240 Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790-4240 |