Beautiful Spoken Word Poem from Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex

Among the impressive entries, one stood out for its poignant message and emotional depth - a spoken word poem by Shanteyja L. from the Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex. Shanteyja L. chose spoken word poetry as her medium. Through carefully crafted verses and heartfelt delivery, she bared her soul, allowing listeners to glimpse into her past, her regrets, and her aspirations. Her poem not only conveyed her personal journey but also touched upon universal themes that resonate with people from all walks of life.

One of the central themes of Shanteyja’s poem was respect and the right way in which to treat others. She spoke about the importance of treating others with kindness and empathy, regardless of their backgrounds or choices. Her words echoed the truth that respect is a two-way street; to receive it, one must also give it.

Perhaps the most profound aspect of the spoken word piece was its exploration of why people act out. The poem delved into the complexities of human behavior, addressing the pain and struggles that can lead individuals down challenging paths. By addressing the "whys" behind negative actions, she encouraged listeners to cultivate understanding and compassion. It's a reminder that empathy can bridge the gap between judgment and rehabilitation. Here are some comments from our judges, “Your care came through from how much time you put into both writing and memorizing line after line--the audience is really able to hear your story.”, “Starting by talking about how you would major in politics if you were in a different situation was very powerful.”

As we conclude this year’s Kids Got Talent Contest, Shanteyja L. highlights exactly the kind of beautiful talent that can come from any facility. Her retrospection and her powerful words speak to how talented she is in this field, and I for one, can’t wait to read what she does next.

Watch this performance here, and we look forward to next years Kids Got Talent submissions.