Well versed

What an enjoyable morning I had! Poetry!

My cousin's daughter, Dominique, competed in the region 2 finals of "Poetry Out Loud," a national recitation contest for high schools. Nika, as we call her, was terrific -- confident, poised, animated and clear. And, much to my delight, she sang in the last of her three performances -- A Song for Soweto by June Jordan. Who knew she had such a great voice?

Another highlight came near the end. I was sooooo hoping one of the participants would recite Still I Rise by Maya Angelou and it wound up that two young women had chosen it. A double dose. What a treat.

I think I'm inspired to pluck something off my poetry shelf ...