The lights were dim as the made their way down the steps of the auditorium. They were led to sit in the middle section, with a perfect view of the stage. It had been a while since he was a member of the audience, a while since he wasn’t up on stage. It was a nice change of pace. 

He watched as the seats around him slowly filled up and he grew bored and occupied himself by picking at the already worn arm rests, the yellow foam coming off in small chunks that he tried to discreetly sweep under his seat with his shoe.

“Do you remember what they said we’re going to see?” Taehyung asked him.

“Something about poetry.” He said, shaking his head as he spoke. He got a look of confusion in response to his answer. All he could do was shrug in response.

    Soon their questions were answered as the announcer came out on stage.

“I want to welcome everyone to the 5th Annual New Voices Poetry Showcase.” Claps thundered all around.

“Tonight we have some impressive talent, some you may be familiar with, some may be fresh faces for you to support. Our first artist is definitely one that many of us know. She’s been here since day one, making sure each and every person she comes across hears her voice. She’ll be our opener and closer tonight, ladies and gentlemen, Isis Jones.” 

    At the mention of the girls name many people hollered and clapped in appreciation. She came out and stood directly in front of the mic. He will never forget what she looked like up on that stage. The overhead lights washed her in a muted gold tone, casting shadows across her eyes. At first all she did was stay quiet as waited for the crowd to settle. Once that had been achieved she immediately went in.

    Curses and harsh words flew out quickly. It was difficult for him to keep up, he was sad to say that he missed parts of her poem since she spit so fast. In hopes of bettering his chances of picking up what she said he unconsciously began to lean forward in his seat. As she progressed in her piece, he could hear the small gasps of air she took before each line, needing that extra breath of air to deliver the solid punch her tone packed.

“How bout this? I’mma get a change operation so you and half of America can officially, . My. .”

    That line set the audience in a cacophony of cheers and shouts. For a millisecond he was caught off guard, not used to such bravado or language coming from a girl, but as the shock faded he burst into shouts of praise. The boy