The artistic expression of poetry is a universal form of communication. It serves as a rhythmic and linguistic literary piece, which evokes raw emotion from a subject and incorporates unity amongst people.

Poetry is practiced worldwide, through-out all different cultures and heritages, and dates back thousands of years ago. Kean University has recognized the importance of exposing students to this type of literary rhyming and decided to annually host poetry related functions on campus.

On Wednesday, September 30, 2015, the Office of Student Government hosted an event in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month. Gritos de Poetas, a Spanish poetry group, was invited to perform at the Cougar’s Den to speak about Latino triumphs and struggles, as well as about the struggles that everyone faces as human beings.

Gritos de Poetas translates to “the cries of poets” and consists of six members: Advocate of Wordz, Chance, Chilo, Simply Rob, Tito, & True. The group has been around for about ten years and travels all over the country to perform their poetic/ rap styed stories. They tend to touch on subjects that pertain to real life problems including; death, heartbreak, the strong value of women, gay prejudice, the joys of being a father and a few Latino trademarks, such as the salsa dance and empanadas. The event began with a chain of synchronized poetry being spoken by all members of the group as they individually walked out from behind the audience, and slowly made their way to the stage.

Advocate of Words recites one of his most famous poems
Michael Dumaine l The Cougar’s Byte

A male poet named Chance recited a poem regarding the basic stereotypes of different kinds of Latino people, including Dominican, Puerto Rican, Mexican, and Columbian. "Just because I like Corona and have a big head, it does not make me a Mexican. Just because I walk down the street listening to reggae tone and playing the air drums, it does not make me Puerto Rican.”

The front man of the group, Advocate of Words, had many inspiring things to say, and brought with him nothing but genuine sincerity for the art as well as an extreme down to earth mentality. He spoke about both the joys and challenges of being a father to his son, ending his poem with the strong words, “Even though I know he is destined to be a great man, he will always be my little boy.” Advocate of Words also narrated his most famous poem entitled, Me and Food…Got Beef. This poem touches on one of the most vulnerable moments in his life regarding getting his heart broken and his long time significant other cheating on him. He metaphorically put the relationship in terms of food items and spoke on behalf of his anguish and despair.

Conner Granato, senior psychology major, shared his thoughts on the poem, “The entire piece was incredibly passionate and moving.”

Another poet to touch upon sensitive subjects was Simply Rob. Rob spoke about the trials and tribulations of being gay and the gay prejudice that still exists and how a person’s orientation should not dictate how they are viewed as a person.

Poets Simple Rob and Chilo take the stage
Michael Dumaine l The Cougar’s Byte

Students who attended the poetry service enjoyed observing professionals who are extremely passionate about their craft. ShaSae Martinez, senior child education major, said, “I write poetry when I’m feeling upset, so I am interested in hearing the experts. I am also Puerto Rican, so I enjoy the heritage part of the event.”

Another attendee in the audience, Dayla Matari, sophomore communication major, stated, “I love poetry, listening to it as well as writing it. I think the idea of representing oneself through artistic expression and rhyme is a beautiful concept.”

More information on Gritos de Poetas can be found on their Facebook page along with upcoming events and shows.