I Am Inspired By The Youth by Floyd Boykin Jr.

I was chatting with a friend today about how open mics are not as inspiring for me as they used to be.  Seems like so many poets are more into "performing" and waiting on standing ovations.  Poems filled with one liners, designed to get you out of your seats, clap your hands and yell "reeeeeeeeewind!"  I guess that's cool sometimes, because I must admit that some of those poems are on point.  I guess my beef with that would be if those are the only type of poems you are writing.  But them again, you write what you feel.  All I'm saying is that I miss the days when I felt spiritually fed going to the open mics.  I remember going to poetry nights with my pen and notebook waiting to be inspired to write.  That hasn't happened in years.  Recently, I was reminded of this feeling, but it wasn't at an open mic.  Ironically, it was on Youtube?  Who Knew?  I started listening to younger poets, brave new voices, and these young people were phenomenal.  I started to write again.  I was inspired to memorize.  I was so inspired by the youth.  It's amazing because most of the time, our children get a bad "rap" and people in my generation think that our children are lost.  But not me.  I believe in these children.  I believe in their expression.  I am very proud to hear their voices so loudly and articulately.  I am so inspired by them.  Thanks for reminding me of my own voice.  Thanks for inspiring my life.