Nicholas Berry

Nicholas Berry

Nicholas Berry is a poet and illustrator from Oak Park, IL. He is a 2019 Young Chicago Authors Bomb Squad Alum and a two time team finalist in YCA’s Louder Than a Bomb slam competition. His work currently spans the experiences of living single in spaces that demand courtship, and the intricacies of male intimacy.

The impact of poetry and the spoken word club

Spoken Word was the most frightening thing I’ve ever had the pleasure of being apart of. Spoken Word pushed me to heights unknown, and helped me access the deepest parts of myself. Through this club I learned the sound of my purest voice, and the wonder to be found in other voices. I was and still am a socially anxious person, but Spoken Word has taught me to work through my fears. I made my best friends in this club, and just as important—Spoken Word helped introduce me to myself.

Top favorite poets or lyricists

Poets: Gordon Sumner, Sam Phillips and Sade

Lyricists: Kara Jackson, Franny Choi, and Patricia Smith

Writing Prompts

• Write about a time you felt better after crying 

• Write about a time you wanted someone to notice you 

• Write a poem that uses at least 4 similes that are unrelated to each other, but related to your topic 

• Write a poem that starts with the line  “____ exist(s) in order to _____”