Sometimes, the biggest battles we fight are the ones within ourselves. Rebecca Dupas’ powerful spoken word piece, “HOW TO SLAY A DRAGON (a poem about the day I met myself),” dives deep into this very struggle, offering a profound exploration of how we can transform internalized negativity and the echoes of external judgment into potent self-love and healing. Her work resonates because it speaks to that universal human experience of carrying the weight of others’ pain and criticism, and the courage it takes to finally confront and embrace our own authentic selves.
Dupas’ masterful delivery and poignant lyrics paint a vivid picture of those internal moments where past hurts resurface. She articulates how easily we can find ourselves regurgitating negative opinions once hurled our way, allowing them to dictate our present. Yet, her artistry doesn’t dwell in despair; instead, it illuminates the path forward. Her voice serves as a powerful reminder that the journey toward self-acceptance is a deeply personal one, yet intrinsically linked to our collective experiences. This piece, amplified by the collaborative efforts of its creative team—from videography to makeup and styling—underscores the richer impact spoken word can have when brought to life with thoughtful production. The platform @ohsocloudypoetry is also doing vital work, fostering deeper conversations within the poetry community and highlighting how collaboration truly elevates the art form.
Rebecca Dupas has firmly established herself as a significant voice in Black poetry, celebrated not only for her undeniable talent but for the authentic connection she fosters with her audience. Her performances are a testament to the power of vulnerability, layering honesty and courage into every verse. Through her work, she consistently encourages us to face our inner dragons, to find strength in our scars, and to wield our words as tools for healing and empowerment, turning personal struggles into universal anthems of resilience.
The impact of “HOW TO SLAY A DRAGON” has clearly resonated, sparking conversations and inspiring a community that draws strength from Dupas’ message. It’s a powerful reminder that confronting our inner shadows isn’t about vanquishing them, but about understanding and integrating them into a more whole and loving self. This piece invites us to embrace our own narratives of transformation, finding the magic in the messy process of becoming.
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Disclaimer:
For Education and discussion purposes. Please note no copyright infringement is intended, was recorded on BlkCosmo’s own equipment, and we do not own nor claim to own any of the original recordings used in this video and intend to use this as ‘fair use’.
![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://blkcosmo.com/slay-dragon-poetry-heal-empower/&media=https://blkcosmo.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Slay-Dragon-Poetry-Heal-Empower.jpg&description=Rebecca Dupas' poem "HOW TO SLAY A DRAGON (a poem about the day I met myself)" explores transforming internalized negativity through self-reflection and spoken word. The poem delves into confronting others' pain and criticism to find self-love and acceptance. Dupas' authentic and courageous work, supported by creative collaboration, has established her as a significant voice in Black poetry. Her message encourages confronting inner struggles and healing through verse. The piece has inspired community dialogue and can be further explored through her social media and events.){kind=link}