Spoken word poetry has recently developed a following at MHS through Spoken Word Poetry Club and Writer’s Studio events. In addition to these new opportunities for students, MHS also had the privilege of hosting a well-known spoken word poet in our own halls, as he spoke to classes and students about the art of spoken word. His name is Kyle Tran Myhre, better known to most by his stage name: Guante. From Minneapolis, Guante is a spoken word poet, rapper, and activist. He works with spoken poetry groups and performs his poetry around the country as well as writing his own poetry and essays. Much of Guante’s work focuses on issues of social justice.

Guante came to MHS in February of this year to perform in classes and to also give a small workshop after school. Guante’s visit to our school was coordinated by the Writing Center. I was fortunate enough to go to the workshop, and I learned a lot of new things about spoken word poetry. Guante performed a poem for us, and then we looked at the poem more carefully and analyzed why it was a powerful piece, especially in reference to his delivery of the poem. He emphasized the fact that spoken word poetry is not just speaking poetry, but writing it in order to perform for others and to convey the poem’s meaning through performance. Guante also talked about the different opportunities there were around the Twin Cities to get involved and experience spoken word poetry.

In addition, Guante was one of the guests for Off the Page this year, at the annual event hosted by the Writing Center. Guante talked about his career as well as spoken word itself, and what spoken word means to him. Following the interview, he performed a few of his poems.

Spoken word is becoming more and more prominent at MHS, and Guante has played a special part in fostering and encouraging that interest.