That was my IM to Patricia Smith - a dear old friend who just happens to be nominated for this year's National Book Award in poetry for her collection Blood Dazzler.Patricia, four time National Poetry Slam champ, proves that just because you don't read in a monotone and believe an audience at a reading deserves a performance it doesn't mean your work can't stand up on page.
Unlike others who earned success via early participation in Slam, Patricia never turned her back on the genre by bad mouthing the scene or it’s participants as low brow. She has continued her support of the up and coming and it is rumored she is looking to compete again soon.
Congrats to strong and talented woman.
