Yoly Miller is an award-winning poet from Akron. Most recently, she was awarded the runner-up prize in the “Literary Arts – Poetry” category in the 2018 High Arts Festival. Miller will be performing at Wandering Aesthetics’ “Bigger Than a Breadbox: Akron’s Legends of Tomorrow” on Saturday, November 17.
Describe your legend: In the far future, what will people say about you?
Damn, she could smile!
Yoly Miller reading poetry at an Electric Pressure Cooker Open Mic. (Photo: John Aylward Photography)
Who/ are the legends that influence(d) you as a performer?
My eldest daughter, who’s very brash and forward, inspired me to speak up and use my voice.
What is your artistic origin story?
I started writing just because I needed to write… I have a head full of thoughts that need to be expressed. Poetry helps me to be more myself, more honest.
Describe your superhero costume.
All dark grey, so I can blend into any room unobserved. No capes!
Who is your arch nemesis?
Mine would be called… The Kraken! A very aggressive character who doesn’t hold anything back.
Could you write a limerick about Akron?
There once was a city on a hill
it stunk so bad millionaires had to take a pill
had an identity crisis because there were two
but now that there’s one and there’s too much fun
no one knows what to do
(Note: Yoly freestyled this during the interview!)
What are you trying to communicate through poetry?
I don’t know that I’m trying to communicate anything specifically… I never really learned the “rules of poetry”. It’s more like a conversation with myself that I sometimes share with others.
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Join Wandering Aesthetics for another rendition of Bigger Than A Breadbox, Akron’s rousing variety show.
“Akron’s Legends of Tomorrow”, the third #AkronBreadbox production, features a diverse array of artistic talent as they explore legends in Akron, from past to present.
This live vaudeville performance explores Akron’s cultural heritage and celebrates those artists who work to preserve it.
Featuring music, comedy, poetry, art (and a few surprises), this variety show has something for everyone!
“Bigger Than a Breadbox: Akron’s Legends of Tomorrow” takes place on Saturday, November 17 at Bricco Prime (4315 Manchester Road, Akron) in Portage Lakes. Tickets are $20 per person or $30 for two and are available at https://www.watheatre.com/boxoffice.
