On Wednesday Sept. 27, three of the poets and writers of  the book “The Break Beat Poets” performed at Casella Theater. Each poet spoke about love, fear, life and change.

            To some it may seem those themes are typical of a poetry performance.

            But what makes Break Beats different and more enjoyable was the fact that their delivery wasn’t “traditional.” Each poem felt like a story that had a beat to it more than rhyming story.

            To hear poetry in this manor was extremely refreshing. The Break Beat Poets definitely break down the stereotype that all poetry feels the same. During the performance you could clearly hear the influences of both hip-hop and literature being mashed together to create something beautiful.

            Each poem was artfully done, but each poet had one poem that truly stood out from his or her set. It either made you think, tugged at your heart or just made you feel good inside.

            Kevin Coval’s poem “Crossover” delivered the powerful message that art will be art no matter how chaotic or cruel the world is. People will find a way to escape the real world even if it’s just for a moment because art is always around us. There is a beauty in that.

            Though Angel Nafis had a wonderful poem about how she killed a cockroach for her love and a ghazal about shea butter. Her poem about her father Abdul seemed to speak out the most. Hearing that her father continued to love Nafis’ mother even her after death. Love will always be a strong connection no matter what.

            Hearing Nate Marshall’s poem about the friendship he had with the crew growing up hit hard. Marshall talked about the adventures you have together with your friends at a young age, but as you grow up and get older so do you friends. Because of this not only you but your friends change and you may drift apart. It’s so true but yet out of fear we don’t want to believe it.

            Without a doubt The Break Beat Poets were truly one of the best events that the Soundings program has brought to our university. The audience had nothing but positive things to say.

            “I thought it was really cool. I’ve never heard poetry like this, I’m used to line for line. I’m glad my girlfriend brought me,” said Jason Bielecki.

            “The poem about the cockroach made me laugh and tugged at my heartstrings,” said Skyler Ambrose.

            But students weren’t the only ones who attended and enjoyed the program.

Professor Burnham Holmes enjoyed not only the performance but also the workshop that happened earlier that day because it got everyone writing and thinking.

            “I like poetry, hip-hop and rap, it’s good for me,” said Holmes. “I liked the poetry and stories. It’s what’s going on and it’s very important.”