Artists Profile: Aliyah & Keira
Aliyah and Keira are two of the award-winning poets featured in LBP Edition #9: POWER, which was created in partnership with Arts for All Wisconsin.
Keira Thompson | 2023 Creative Power Award - Young Adult
What inspires you most these days?
I am inspired by Taylor Swift and the incredible lyrics she writes. I love to analyze them line by line because there is so much emotion and figurative language in her songs. If you think about it, her song lyrics would also be amazing poems. I hope to write like she does someday.
Share 3 words that describe you as a poet.
Powerful. Emotional. Creative.
When did you realize how important writing was to you as a form of artistic expression?
When I was in 7th grade, I was struggling to believe in myself. I had a really tough 6th grade year and was working to build back my confidence. I had always wanted to write a children's book, so I decided to try it. I decided the book’s theme would be “it’s ok to say something is hard, but it’s not okay to give up on yourself”. Along with writing the book, I hired, gave direction to and managed an illustrator. I’m proud to say that “Mila and the Too Hard Hoop” is now available on Amazon.com….and that I also tried out for and made a competitive Special Olympics basketball team!
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Aliyah Zeitler | 2022 Creative Power Award - Young Adult (16-21) & 2024 Merit Award – Young Adult (16-21)
What what have you learned about yourself through writing poetry?
Writing my thoughts has helped me realize that what other people say about me, does not define me. I decide who I am and what a difference I can make in this world.
Share 3 words that describe you as a poet.
Authentic. Inspiring. Empathetic.
When did you realize how important writing was to you as a form of artistic expression?
When my grandfather and aunt passed away, I realized how healing writing could be for getting through grief and loss. I started by writing poetry and have now written devotions.