The Poetic Heart

Article by Ninoscha Mendosa

To bring change artistically

‘’The Poetic Heart" is an event organized and hosted by the SGI Gulf as an initiative based on their values of spreading peace through culture and harmony, and 'The Poetic Heart' is the initiative that connects humanity to a platform through Poetry.

The event does not only feature world-renowned poets but young and aspiring spoken word artists as well. And with different generations, views and perspectives gathered in an auditorium, everyone's voices echo in determination and dedication to shape hearts that build a brighter future ahead of us.

The Poetic Heart is an annual event that revolves around themes that change yearly, but with the same intention to ignite our hearts to change. This year, the theme was ''Creating Hope; Connecting Humanity''. From over 600 schools, the performing artists were narrowed down to 48 poets, each from different schools.

Carrying my St. Mary's pride with me, our school was invited to be a part of the event, witnessing poets grow and allowing our hearts to be ignited in flames and passion for change.

Being a part of the line-up for this year's 'Poetic Heart' was indeed an honor and a dream-come-true. I was in the audience last year, and to think that I was given the opportunity to stand on the stage I once admired from afar makes me proud of not only how far I've come but of the teachers, family, and friends that offered endless support.

I remember my name- although mispronounced- echoing the entire auditorium as if the hostess were searching for the same confidence I've lost in my fear.  My footsteps suddenly became heavy, carrying the weight of my school's reputation and my parents' expectations on my shoulders. My hands suddenly became sweaty as if it were attempting to get a grip of the air I had left. My heart suddenly became restless as if it were a punching bag, constantly being beaten up by my anxiety.

I was suddenly teleported to the stage, instinctively demanding for a staring competition, I even remember complimenting how her eyes were shiny. But when the spotlights pecked my sweaty forehead, I looked up, searching the crowd for my support system- my parents, my brother, and my friends- and when the spotlights pecked my sweaty forehead, I began to speak.

Even if I forgot to mention one of my lines, I would never forget how it felt to stand on that stage I once admired from afar. The rush of joy and relief in every breath I'd take, the rush of passion and emotion in every word I'd say, the rush of dopamine I'd get in every smile that shone in the crowd.

The ''Poetic Heart'' was not only the resurrection of my confidence but the hope I had left in humanity as well.

''Hope, hope, hope. With different voices, we can finally learn to harmonize.''