The poet Savon Bartley offers a striking performance of “Elementary,” a poem that takes the abecedarian to his own inspired territory. As you listen to this poet read his work, notice how the repeated consonants at the beginning of words (alliteration) and the use of similar sounding syllables in other words (both consonance and assonance) make spoken word take on a sense of musicality and intensity. Notice also the repetition of the opening and ending of the poem. Then, let the meaning of his words break your heart.
Savon Bartley, “Elementary”
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