Miles Hodges performing "Alcatraz Of Ballons" live at the "Anthology" show. Recorded live at Stage 48 on August 2, 2013. www.thestrivers... www.facebok/the... / www / thestriversrow
I'm happy I caught this live. I'm unsure if many really understood what the title meant so here I'll explain. Alcatraz is short for Alcatraz Island - an infamous military prison in San Francisco Bay. Balloons are perhaps the most iconic form of freedom; when you release a balloon it rises to meet no end. Alcatraz of Balloons is imagery, imagine balloons floating from a jail cell. This is Miles's liberation from his prison.
33 now and still trying not to believe ‘em. I thought I had so many things figured out about myself and love. So much to unpack on this healing journey. I pray that we get the courage to take our masks off and keep them off before it’s too late. 🙏🏾
"I learned just how fucking real a night could get with some paper and some secrets"- Preach. What I love about Miles's work is that no matter how many times you watch it's always a new experience every time. It impacts you differently, this I love about the Strivers Row as a whole.
A student came to me and said,"Mrs.L, you've GOT to see this."I asked her to write down his name and the name of the poem,and then I put it on during planning-earphones in,another class in my room busily doing the things they do with the other teacher looking on.By minute three,the tears were cresting.By minute four, it was all I could do to make no sound as this brave young man took his soul out of his body and pinned it up there for all of us to see.By the end, I was a mess.Thank you,Miles.
I just keep coming back to watch this to keep me sane... Not everyone knows what it feels like when the stage calls you; how much life it gives you... I'm 27 now and still trying not to believe 'em... 27 now.
Miles, My gateway drug to The Strivers Row was Joshua Bennett, who led me almost immediately to Alysia Harris (both of whom I listen to on repeat). I tried listening to some of your poems, but it never quite clicked with where my head was at or what I was going through. But tonight, for whatever reason, I decided to try again. And I am SO glad I did. It's hard to explain in words when I am emotionally affected so I'll just say thank you. Thank you for writing. Thank you for getting up there and spilling your guts and letting us in. Thank you for not being afraid. Hopefully one day I'll get to see you all in person, but until then, I'll just keep stalking your poems on CZcams. =) Mercy
I got to meet and talk with this beautiful man. He kissed me in my cheek, so y'all know that that made my night. Amazing work from an amazing poem. Keep striving Miles. I love you.
Miles needs to get a book of poems out. I know he's probably got thousands in those journals he's always talking about. Would love to add him to my shelf of Whitman, Blake, and Poe.
I think this is one of the most amazing things I've ever heard. I saw it live, and it had the same effect watching it here on CZcams. You and your crew are doing something amazing, and I was overwhelmed as a performer when I watched this. It connected to me in a way that made me know a real performer wrote it from their heart. "This stage is my teeth" is where I couldn't contain myself anymore. Really just intense and honest. Thanks for sharing this raw emotion. Thank you again and again.
When I was younger I used to listen to miles and a few others over and over but always skipped over this poem because I couldn’t relate/understand but now I do and this poem gives me shivers and butterflies in my stomach and I’m like how could I have missed what was right in front of me this whole time. I totally understand it now soooo many years later
The way you express your reality is simply amazing. I live for real experiences. I can feel every word. Beautiful is usually a feminine word, but I don't know what other word to use to describe the way this sounds to me...
Ive been listening to poetry all day. I have to say this young man's words are deep. Nicely done young man. I usually don't post anything but his words a worth the exception.
I was at this performance in NYC and I found myself completely in awe and speechless. Miles definitely opened up and left his heart right on that stage.
And here I am again... Screaming these words in my head. No-one gets my true feelings except for you. It's as if you're my voice and I don't share this video with anyone because it's so sacred to me. I don't share it because no-one would value it as much as I do and it feels like it would be such a disservice to this beautiful piece. I'll ALWAYS keep coming back here...
1. MY husband. 2. The fact I thought I understood him as a poet, he goes and make me think again. The pure honesty that he spits is so beautiful. Makes me want to start writing again.
Watched this one over and over again on the livestream! After following Miles for so many years, it's incredible to hear him writing of BMV and college. A big thank you for posting this one!
: I love listening to him! As an artist I know that it takes a lot to pour your heart out like this! Also I can tell when it genuine. The fact that he tied his past work and showing how it’s still relevant to his work now….. I beyond amazing! It’s truly a screenshot of his soul! Thank you for telling us the other side of you!
as a writer; as an artist.. the true talent is never letting people really know all 4 corners about your life. how can you call something a façade.. you don't even know him, all you know is his craft. Two completely different things.
Best poem of his yet :) The "woo"-ing of the crowd was a little annoying though. It was more emotional than anything, and people were just yelling at every high note in the performance.
Well damn, a whole lot more truth than I expected but it was amazing. And imam so much more in love with his words. Thank you God and his parents for this beautiful (in all aspects of the meaning) creature we call Miles Hodges
~10 years later...still my favorite artist.
"She was a writer, and I fall in love damn easy. So I said your head was great baby, but your mind was the night before a revolution."
your head was great baby. But your mind was the night before a revolution.
I'm happy I caught this live. I'm unsure if many really understood what the title meant so here I'll explain.
Alcatraz is short for Alcatraz Island - an infamous military prison in San Francisco Bay. Balloons are perhaps the most iconic form of freedom; when you release a balloon it rises to meet no end. Alcatraz of Balloons is imagery, imagine balloons floating from a jail cell. This is Miles's liberation from his prison.
Years later and I’m still listening to this poem at least once a month
33 now and still trying not to believe ‘em. I thought I had so many things figured out about myself and love. So much to unpack on this healing journey. I pray that we get the courage to take our masks off and keep them off before it’s too late. 🙏🏾
"I learned just how fucking real a night could get with some paper and some secrets"- Preach. What I love about Miles's work is that no matter how many times you watch it's always a new experience every time. It impacts you differently, this I love about the Strivers Row as a whole.
3 years later and I still get goosebumps
I've literally listened to this poem more times than I can count the words are beautiful!
31 now and still trying not to believe them...
"this is my war, this is my peace, this is where my stories become your currency" Miles...wow!
He tellin the truth you be in another world when you write and got stuff hidden and you cant vent to no one
Still listening to this in 2018🙃
A student came to me and said,"Mrs.L, you've GOT to see this."I asked her to write down his name and the name of the poem,and then I put it on during planning-earphones in,another class in my room busily doing the things they do with the other teacher looking on.By minute three,the tears were cresting.By minute four, it was all I could do to make no sound as this brave young man took his soul out of his body and pinned it up there for all of us to see.By the end, I was a mess.Thank you,Miles.
I just keep coming back to watch this to keep me sane... Not everyone knows what it feels like when the stage calls you; how much life it gives you... I'm 27 now and still trying not to believe 'em... 27 now.
Its 2016 and this still gives me chills.
2020 and I’m back again for the 30th time
Miles,
My gateway drug to The Strivers Row was Joshua Bennett, who led me almost immediately to Alysia Harris (both of whom I listen to on repeat). I tried listening to some of your poems, but it never quite clicked with where my head was at or what I was going through. But tonight, for whatever reason, I decided to try again. And I am SO glad I did. It's hard to explain in words when I am emotionally affected so I'll just say thank you. Thank you for writing. Thank you for getting up there and spilling your guts and letting us in. Thank you for not being afraid. Hopefully one day I'll get to see you all in person, but until then, I'll just keep stalking your poems on CZcams. =)
Mercy
this piece has me thinking.."WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN ALL MY LIFE?" I'm in love with his mind!!
I got to meet and talk with this beautiful man. He kissed me in my cheek, so y'all know that that made my night. Amazing work from an amazing poem. Keep striving Miles. I love you.
Miles needs to get a book of poems out. I know he's probably got thousands in those journals he's always talking about. Would love to add him to my shelf of Whitman, Blake, and Poe.
You cannot begin to understand how much I see myself in this piece... wow...
I'm 28 now and still not trying to believe 'em...
I think this is one of the most amazing things I've ever heard. I saw it live, and it had the same effect watching it here on CZcams. You and your crew are doing something amazing, and I was overwhelmed as a performer when I watched this. It connected to me in a way that made me know a real performer wrote it from their heart. "This stage is my teeth" is where I couldn't contain myself anymore. Really just intense and honest. Thanks for sharing this raw emotion. Thank you again and again.
And... again, I'm back.
When I was younger I used to listen to miles and a few others over and over but always skipped over this poem because I couldn’t relate/understand but now I do and this poem gives me shivers and butterflies in my stomach and I’m like how could I have missed what was right in front of me this whole time. I totally understand it now soooo many years later
I watch this too many times a week, unbelievable. Beautiful
Same
The way you express your reality is simply amazing. I live for real experiences. I can feel every word. Beautiful is usually a feminine word, but I don't know what other word to use to describe the way this sounds to me...
We need more of Miles hodges
Ive been listening to poetry all day. I have to say this young man's words are deep. Nicely done young man. I usually don't post anything but his words a worth the exception.
I was at this performance in NYC and I found myself completely in awe and speechless. Miles definitely opened up and left his heart right on that stage.
And here I am again... Screaming these words in my head. No-one gets my true feelings except for you. It's as if you're my voice and I don't share this video with anyone because it's so sacred to me. I don't share it because no-one would value it as much as I do and it feels like it would be such a disservice to this beautiful piece. I'll ALWAYS keep coming back here...
1. MY husband. 2. The fact I thought I understood him as a poet, he goes and make me think again. The pure honesty that he spits is so beautiful. Makes me want to start writing again.
Oh my gosh this is one of his rawest poem ever!!! I am speechless. He left it all on the stage. I am in awe
The poem isn't even over and I have already fallen in love with this!
And if I thought I loved him before, he just solidified everything I felt for him. His poetry seriously keeps me writing
oh miles
And I'm back again...
Watched this one over and over again on the livestream! After following Miles for so many years, it's incredible to hear him writing of BMV and college. A big thank you for posting this one!
I can listen to this all day and not get tired of listening to this. God bless him.
I ... I think I just fell inlove.. what just happened?
My words are your currency... Like a spoon full of truth. Beautifully spoken again and again
I keep hitting the replay bottom.
This my fav. He was so real about it.
i think i fall in love with Miles every time i hear his stuff
: I love listening to him! As an artist I know that it takes a lot to pour your heart out like this! Also I can tell when it genuine. The fact that he tied his past work and showing how it’s still relevant to his work now….. I beyond amazing! It’s truly a screenshot of his soul! Thank you for telling us the other side of you!
His timing is awesome in this performance.
man I love all of his work.❤
Mr. Miles you've done it again!! It truly is a gift that you've been blessed with
love it, miles is 1 of my absolute favourite spoken word poets. he's awesome.
This is my word if anybody dare lay a harmful hand on anyone in the Strivers Row. . . . .it will go down !!
It should be illegal for anybody, to be that beautiful, that deep, and that much man all at the same time!
Man I STILL got chills gorgeous and talented gotta love miles!!
FUCK YEAH MILES
Yes, raw and uncut miles hodges! This is what I wanted to see from you.
I never wanted this poem to end! But this was amazing and once again he has satisfied me.
i was in the audience for this…. and it changed my life.
I watch this video once a week, it's absolutely wonderful. I love the strivers row
Just got to relive the moment. Ahmazing to say the least. Heaven sent to say the most.
Honest and deliberate,,,I can appreciate both
One of his best works. Simply raw.
sooo much emotion i really respect and love this guy!
How has this video not hit 1 billion views?
I felt the same way when I saw him at the show....Flawless!!!
OH-MY-GOD!!! I applaud your courage and transparency
my favorite poem from him thus far...
I love this! Miles you are amazing...your words are amazing!
as a writer; as an artist.. the true talent is never letting people really know all 4 corners about your life. how can you call something a façade.. you don't even know him, all you know is his craft. Two completely different things.
Best poem of his yet :)
The "woo"-ing of the crowd was a little annoying though. It was more emotional than anything, and people were just yelling at every high note in the performance.
So upset I missed my train I knew this show was going to be even greater than the last one I saw.....nothing like seeing the row in person!
LOVE.
A side of miles I've never seen this just made my favorites . Beautiful piece brother beautiful !!!
Speechless
tears & chills.
My God...I love his art. So real it's almost painful. Just...wow
I cried watching this. best night of my life
I’ve heard this poem at least 20 times a year since 2013
Still here.
O get goosebumps every time I watch this
Miles has left me speechless again..
Everyone says that Joshua Bennett And Alysia Brought Them To Miles..... No For Me Miles Brought Them To Me
3 Years later here I am again
so sincere...so beautiful... i love it.
No words!! Simply amazing
Who could dislike this?
My god I love this guy
no words. no words. I am slayed in the damn spirit!
i think i just might watch this everyday for the rest of my life
Continues to Inspire
speechless... this was so amazing!
This is what ive been waiting on
And... I'm back again. I wonder if my mask has to be kept on forever? How does loving the way I love always end up being too much?
Magical, as usual .
Beautiful!!!!!
YES! i was there and it was amazing.
Why am I crying.
Beautiful!!
I could live here.
"Alcatraz" of Balloons deep.....felt this
CAN NOT WAIT for him, Alysia Harris, and Joshua Bennett to come to Central VA!
I'm back again...
Well damn, a whole lot more truth than I expected but it was amazing. And imam so much more in love with his words. Thank you God and his parents for this beautiful (in all aspects of the meaning) creature we call Miles Hodges
OMG LOVED THIS