In their classes and residencies with local students, the teaching artists involved with Big Thought's programs employ creative learning techniques as well as instruction in the visual and performing arts. Here is an example of a spoken word piece written by a student at Travis Middle School. This student and her classmates did a 2-week residency with spoken word artist Will Richey during the Make a Connection Thru Art (MACTA) program sponsored by Nokia. For more information, check out our MACTA page!
How do you live your life
when no one's watching?
by Amanda
Travis Middle School
Everyone’s got that person inside
who’s hidden from views of the people
and Friends that analyze you.
Hoping you’ll pass their undefined test,
Locking the real you up In a chest,
you shove it aside and hope for the best.
But secrets have ways of seeping out through cracks,
and when you’re Exposed, is it really that bad?
Or is it a time to rejoice with relief
That someone has found who you are beneath-
Those bolts and the locks and the chains made of steel
all meant to protect the you That is real
from The people like Mirrors
who all Just reflect each other Like clones.
No it’s better to Me if you have Your own personality
So don’t be afraid to unlock the bolts and break the chains
(they’re rusting anyway)
And show the world who you really are
It will make a difference for good or for Bad,
at least it’s better than a world full of clones.