Librarian and Poet uses spoken-word as a relief Valve

Often times, people’s struggles, insecurities, physical issues and inner pain are masked by an exterior that looks strong, poised and well put together, then everything explodes leaving friends and family confused.

This is one way in which Vincentian poet, Nicole Samuel, sees life and as a result, the Richmond Hill Librarian, who is originally from Chateaubelair, is using poetry and spoken-word to reach people struggling with trauma, mental-health issues and chronic illnesses. She also uses her skill at spoken word and poetry as a means of escape and a comfort.

Samuel, who has been writing and performing spoken-word for three years, said her entry into poetry began as a private outlet.

“I would write my feelings down in a diary,” she recalled, noting that growing up, she had a lot to be confused and angry about.

“I was attracted to poetry and then I came across videos with spoken words and I said, ‘I can turn my words into spoken word and share.

“I grew up in a big family and I was a troubled child. I did not have the best upbringing and I had no one to talk to so I had feelings and didn’t know what to do so I would write,” Samuel explained.

“If something happens, I would make up a poem in my head and I would talk to myself in poetry form.”

Last Saturday, September 20, 2025, Samuel took another step forward by auditioning for the Ignite Talent Search at the Calliaqua Town Hall, hoping to bring her raw, confessional pieces to a wider audience.

She has launched a social-media page (beneathmyskin-784’/Purple Rain Vincy) to extend her reach.

“I’m going to start a page on social media where I’m hoping my words would reach others who might be going through dark times and my words can pull them back from a dark place.

“…my spoken word are confessional pieces, from a personal perspective and on what’s going on,” she stressed.

Click here to subscribe to read the full article in the E-paper!