National Poetry Month CelebrationBio: Clint Smith is a poet and educator from New Orleans, Louisiana and following the 2012 Individual World Poetry Slam, is the 5th ranked poet in the world. He is a 2010 graduate of Davidson College where he majored in English and founded FreeWord, Davidson’s first slam poetry team. Upon graduating from Davidson, Clint lived in Soweto, South Africa working to educate youth in the township on HIV/AIDS by engaging them in soccer and spoken word. Currently teaching high school English in Prince George’s County, MD, he is the 2012 Graffiti DC Grand Slam Champion and is a member of the 2012 Beltway Poetry Team, representing DC at the National Poetry Slam. He has been featured on TVOne’s premier poetry and music show, Verses & Flow, and has served as a cultural ambassador to Swaziland on behalf of the U.S. State Department, conducting poetry workshops with youth throughout the country focused on HIV/AIDS prevention, cross-cultural understanding, and self-empowerment. As someone who believes firmly in the role art can play in mobilizing communities and shaping policy, Clint has performed and spoken at events including the International AIDS Conference, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s ECET2 Conference, the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies’ “Place Matters” Conference, the Teach For America Regional Institute, the African Leadership Academy, and the School for International Training. Recently, Clint was named the 2013 Christine D. Sarbanes Teacher of the Year by the Maryland Humanities Council. Aside from poetry, Clint loves his mom, scrabble, and the feeling you have right after you eat way too many barbeque ribs. His work can be found at cwardsmith.tumblr.com and he can be followed on Twitter @ClintSmithIII. When We Catch Up to HimMy grandmother asked me, Do you remember the way he used to laugh? We stood and watched my grandfather, an effigy of a life once dreamed of living. When we were growing up, my grandfather was as strong as one hundred horse-bound chariots and as calm as a mountain range at midnight. His voice was the Mississippi Delta after heavy rain. So it kills me, to watch the proudest man I have ever known crumble at the shame of being unable to say his own name. Neurons disappearing faster than Post-Katrina projects. In the eye of this storm was my grandmother. You have not seen love until you have seen a woman with the patience of an Artic spring maintain a smile while she watches the only man she has ever loved revert into a state of infantile dependency. Feeding a man who has forgotten how to swallow his pride. When he uses the bathroom she holds his toilet paper in one hand, her devotion in the other. A fireball of a woman in the form of a schoolteacher, but there is nothing that can teach you how to hold something so flammable. I watch the rest of her life held hostage by his needs. His forest fire condition renders him unable to do or say the things that had made him that inferno of a man. I dreamt of a world where my grandmother could hand him the phone-- Grandpa, this is Clint and he would know who that was. There is no cure for Alzheimer’s. It is death in slow motion, a cerebral implosion. It is watching someone die, and not being able to do anything about it. My grandmother, sensing the helplessness in my heart took hold of my hand. Held it as the soil does the first root of a young sapling. Baby, coming and going are just the same thing and only depends on where you’re standing. Everything will be fine, His memory, is just getting a head start to heaven, simply waiting for the rest of us to catch up. The InterviewWhere do you draw your inspiration from to write poetry? I’m inspired by people, particularly those who live their lives in an effort to uplift others. I’m especially inspired by my students—their curiosity, their brilliance, and their unrelenting will to be more than this world expects them to be. In all honesty however, inspiration is everywhere, sometimes you just have to step back for a second and see what’s right in front of your face. What advice do you have for someone that is threatened by poetry? Poetry shouldn’t be something intimidating. Part of the beauty of the art form is how accessible it is regardless of who you are or what your background is. It provides a unique opportunity to tell the stories of those who are not given a voice. It can also give insight into our common humanity by contextualizing each of our lives relative to those around us. It’s a dynamic art form that challenges our perceptions and continuously allows us to think outside of ourselves. That’s what I love most about it --it is a medium that enhances our empathy. What is an interesting fact about you? I hate chocolate and I love really competitive games of Taboo. Where are you from / Where do you live? I was born and raised in New Orleans, LA. Following Hurricane Katrina, during my senior year of high school, I moved to Houston, TX where I lived with my aunt and uncle until I finished school. I currently live in Washington DC and teach at Parkdale High School in Prince George’s County. Who is your favorite poet? Most of the time it’s my students. Contact: cwardsmith@gmail.com
62 Comments
4/24/2013 03:01:31 pm
The very definition of cerebral…a wicked intellectual who’s verbal illustrations illuminate the world within us all. He has and will continue to captivate global audiences.
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Yvonne Brown
4/25/2013 02:51:01 pm
Poets supporting Poets!!! Your words are beautiful!!!
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Yvonne Brown
4/25/2013 02:51:38 pm
Thanks for your support Tina! So glad it moved you!
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Yvonne Brown
4/25/2013 02:52:26 pm
I share the same sentiments Josie! Thanks for your support!
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4/25/2013 12:16:47 am
Great video, takes a special person to be a great care giver!!
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Yvonne Brown
4/25/2013 02:53:33 pm
I am so glad the poem moved you Deborah! The pleasure is all mine! Clint is very talented and it is an honor to feature his work.
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4/25/2013 01:24:59 am
What a beautiful poem. Thanks for sharing - a beautiful way to start out the day.
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Veronica
4/25/2013 03:26:04 am
Another great one!
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Edwin
4/25/2013 07:55:56 am
I found the poem to be very touching, especially when the grandmother dedicates lots of patience and care for someone she loves. This poem is very moving, it made me realize that Alzheimer does deserve a cure.
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Yvonne Brown
4/25/2013 02:54:20 pm
Thanks for your support Edwin!!
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Yvonne Brown
4/25/2013 02:55:12 pm
Thanks Dov!
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Yvonne Brown
4/25/2013 02:56:12 pm
Thanks for your comment Stephen!!! You are too sweet!
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4/25/2013 11:50:17 am
This is so true, the loss of a older family member is awful and this hits the mark.
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Yvonne Brown
4/25/2013 02:57:15 pm
Thanks for your support Bradley!
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Yvonne Brown
4/25/2013 02:57:57 pm
Thanks for your support Jaquetta!
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Joana
4/26/2013 01:41:54 am
This story is sad it made me cry.
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Jose
4/28/2013 05:59:48 am
It seems as though we both share people as a great inspiration. I am not one of his students, but based on what I have seen, my school is very fortunate to have him as an educator.
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Leo
4/28/2013 09:14:46 am
Sad but it was a nice poem
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Mario
4/28/2013 10:41:55 am
Mr. Smith is one of my favorite poets. Whenever he performs it just brings out a much deeper meaning to the poems like you can actually connect with him. I'm very glad my school has Mr. Smith.
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cynthia
4/29/2013 01:43:22 am
He is a very great teacher and poet. It is an honor to know such a great mind and poet is a teacher at my school and is sharing such great work with us.
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Maxwell
4/29/2013 06:07:44 am
Absolutely amazed at your poetry let alone your talents. Your poetry should be showcased all around the globe.
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javier
4/29/2013 07:50:47 am
"Place Matter" places we teen live or younger people around the world, weather its in the U.S or Low Developed conturies, we all endure to see another day.
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Elijah
4/29/2013 09:00:26 am
I like the the way he likens fire and inferno to his grandfather's condition. It made think of being in hell so I guess that is what he was trying to convey that even through hell his grandmother still cared for his grandfather
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Sagen
4/29/2013 10:44:02 am
I've had the experience of seeing him recite a couple of his poems in person and can honestly say that his words are so meaningful.
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Paola
4/29/2013 11:33:07 am
First, I want to say that it is amazing to know that one of the most amazing poet is at my school and teaches to the student in my school. I could had never imagined that someone as good as Mr. Smith can be able to share his poems in school and it brought advice and another side of his. I may not be one of his students but it would be nice to be and to hear other poems. I think it is nice to know how literature can impact ones life and be used as an advantage to express one's own feelings.
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Ganiu
4/29/2013 11:38:14 am
Every time I see you walk by in the school hallways i'm like omg there's that teacher that's a poet and I feel a sense of pride because you're one of the few teachers I know that is doing something. Your poetry speaks volumes about your beliefs and where you come from. Your voice is a canvas so don't stop speaking.
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Blanca
4/29/2013 01:27:20 pm
I've heard him perform live, He is really good. The poetry is really down to earth it's something I can always relate to and you truly are a source of inspiration for a lot of people in our school.
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Sistah Joy
4/29/2013 11:02:24 pm
Love your poem, When We Catch Up To Him.. Such an incredibly beautiful way to say I love you to your grandparents.
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Josh A.
4/30/2013 11:27:51 am
I feel honored at the fact that I even have the chance to be mentored by both you and Mr. Adams inside and outside of Lyrikal Storm. You're an amazing poet and writer, and the fact that you spend your time to help perfect us as poets and writers makes everything you say all the more meaningful. Place truly does matter, and we're glad that you're here at Parkdale with us. Keep it up!
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Kayla W.
4/30/2013 11:50:41 am
I really enjoyed reading this poem because it is very touching. Mr. Smith is a very good poet, and I think that he represents himself and Parkdale well.
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Jazmine A.
4/30/2013 01:01:30 pm
I always enjoy reading and hearing Mr. Smith's poetry. He writes about very different topics that always gives me a new perspective on things
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elijah estes
4/30/2013 11:07:09 pm
Enjoyed the poem . And the seriousness of how misunderstood and unfortunate dc kids are
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Francisco Santos
5/1/2013 09:10:30 am
First, I want to say it was truly a great experince to be able to listen to your poetry at school. "Place Matters" is really touching because it shows that he pays attention to his students. He's just not some teacher at an urban school, he's a true inspiration.
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JasmineBW
5/1/2013 10:05:05 am
The personal connection within this poem is truly touching and gives readers an impact and inside look into your life. I like that you were able to include a part of yourself into your work.
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Lovely Ruth R.
5/1/2013 10:57:40 am
his poem made me cry a little bit. It's so full of emotional messages! So much imagery it makes me cry. So much to connect from, it makes me cry. His poem "when we catch up to him" is just very emotional right from the start. I knew from the start he was referring to Alzheimer's. I believe he should say his poem to the organization for Alzheimer's.
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Ian H
5/2/2013 05:07:34 am
Having been raised in D.C as a child, I am now able to look back on my experiences I had there.This poem embodies those experiences. The impoverished areas that surrounded me....I'm now able to understand the conditions I once lived in & this poem made me realize that for some people, Life is like hell.
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Kylie Holliday
5/2/2013 07:01:19 am
I love how emotional and heartfelt this poem is. Your ability to make me as a reader feel such deep empathy is astounding.
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Davonte S.
5/2/2013 08:52:45 am
I really like his use of similes and personification. It makes you feel like you were one of his students. this just reminds you that the world isn't perfect and no one in it is either. The struggle is real.
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Rochelle Parry
5/2/2013 11:32:39 am
I love how he speaks and how he uses similes it just all flows just in the right way. I know him but I was never one of his students but after hearing that I really felt like one of them.
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Cristian Alvarado
5/2/2013 02:20:25 pm
Amazing bio .. The emotion he puts into his poem can really connect to people truly amazing
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Thomas Velez
5/2/2013 11:10:56 pm
Mr.smith i heard you in a poem of yours before and you have strong voice which can touch people in the mind and heart. For you to speak out against the struggle helps people realize the truth. You help me realize that i dont have it as rough as i thought i did. People are starving everyday and i complain when all have is noddles to eat.
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Danielle
5/5/2013 12:20:27 am
First, Im going to starty by saying Mr.Smith your poetry is AMAZING. I never knew you were into poetry like that. I really enjoyed the video/poem ! You were speaking the truth and i related to this poem. Job Well Done.
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Danielle G
5/5/2013 12:25:21 am
First, I'm going to start by giving you Hornor of being an AMAZING poet in the DMV area and the fact that you tech at school i attend.! The video/ was very touching, there were some things you mentioned that I related to.
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Lois
5/5/2013 09:18:17 am
I Mr. Smith's poem "When We Catch Up to Him", I really loved the stanza that states, "You have not seen love until you have seen a woman with the patience of an Artic Spring maintain a smile while she watches the only man she has ever loved revert into a state of infantile dependency" because I think it was really referring to me in person .
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James Long
5/6/2013 05:58:52 am
"Place Matters" The title of just this poem to me is of how today's society really is, because if your not in the right group you're not going to be able to do anything. When you went in depth to the warriors that caught my attention with such a strong voice.
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Deanee
5/6/2013 06:47:09 am
I love this poem because it is so real and honest. It brings attention to untold circumstances of everyday students. I appreciate the emotion he placed into the reciting because it made everything even more blunt.
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5/10/2013 08:25:29 am
This is the second time I'm watching this video. I had to leave a comment for this poem because growing up in the DMV I can relate to everything that this teacher's students are going through. See no matter if its in NE, SE , NW, SW or Prince George's County Everyone can relate to this struggle. Teens are more likely to get shot in these areas than go to college. Its terrible .
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selena
5/11/2013 09:34:04 am
The poem was very interesting It's a problem in the area that needs to be addressed. The stories that you tell about the different situations of the children were very vivid and relateable.
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Shawntel Collins
5/13/2013 01:21:53 am
I love the poem about his grandmother and grandfather. There is no better depiction of love than seeing a woman stand by her husband in his darkest moments.
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