Spoken Word Therapy: Why Everyone Has Something to Say

Spoken word poetry is experiencing a surge in popularity, driven by individuals seeking an outlet for expression in a politically charged climate. Georgia Griffiths, a 26-year-old poet from Merthyr Tydfil, describes the artform as her "biggest form of therapy" and a way to make sense of the world.

Griffiths, who aims to inspire those from working-class backgrounds with her Welsh accent, has seen her work gain traction online. The "poetry" hashtag alone has generated over 93 million posts on Instagram. Her themes include domestic violence, Welsh identity, and working-class experiences, showcasing poetry's capacity for deep personal and societal reflection.

Matt Nõmme, 35, from Cardiff, echoes this sentiment, calling poetry one of the simplest and most accessible ways to express oneself. He found his voice through performing his primarily comedic work, noting that it resonates even with those who initially disliked poetry.

Both poets emphasize the cathartic and liberating nature of writing. Griffiths uses everyday observations and news events as inspiration, while Nõmme highlights the minimal requirements of writing—just a pen and paper—making it an immediate and personal form of communication in a technology-saturated world.