The Upper School’s celebration of National Poetry Month continued on Thursday, April 21, with a visit from Andre Bradford, a.k.a. S.C. Says, a Texas-based slam poet.

Mr. Bradford is a two-time Austin Poetry Slam Champion, a three-time Texas Grand Slam Finalist, and the author of the upcoming book Golden Brown Skin. 

S.C. Says’ poetry covers a gamut of topics ranging from being mixed race, to social justice, to mental health awareness, to never settling in relationships. Bradford prizes the raw vulnerability of slam poetry and its ability to cultivate transparency and dialogue into many different arenas

Bradford’s performance was preceded by original poems from Moravian students Ava Noel ‘24 and Lily Eyvazzadeh ‘22. Both Ava and Lily exhibited the honesty and authenticity so highly prized among slam poets, with Lily taking the risk to recite her poem from memory (see video).

Ava’s poem entitled “Ampersand” was especially well received among the audience:  

Among S.C. Says’ more memorable messages were his thoughts on the Japanese practice of kintsukoroi, which involves the repair of broken pottery. Bradford uses kintsukoroi as a metaphor for the process we all must undertake to overcome traumas and mend relationships. For Bradford, the process of practicing empathy comes down to three basic actions: paying attention; telling your story; and appreciating differences.

Gianna Tout-Puissant ‘23 closed out the show with a reading of her poem entitled “Vulnerability,” which spoke directly to the heart of S.C. Says’ overall message: 

Ultimately, the vulnerability on display from students and from S.C. Says speaks to the power of sincerity and compassion, towards both ourselves and others. In short, S.C. slays us!