Aisling Fahey is a 16 year old spoken word poet from Walthamstow, east London, who is juggling her A-Levels and her love of writing and performing poetry. She is a well known face within the UK spoken word poetry community and has participated in the London Teenage Poetry SLAM and Writer’s Block. She has also acted as a mentor for younger budding poets; helping run poetry workshops to improve their confidence and technique. Aisling continues to write, perform and promote her poetry in theatres, art galleries, radio stations and festivals – an ambassador for the next generation of spoken word poets, Carissa Yeboah finds out what makes this up and coming sensation tick…

How important is it for you to have a message in your poetry?
It’s quite important to me because I always write for a reason. If there’s no meaning, there’s no relevance - it doesn’t have to be specifically intentional, but meaning must be there.

What kind of poetry are you inspired by?
Spoken word poetry from gigs I have been to. I’m really into a spoken word poet from Birmingham called Polar Bear. His style reminds me of storytelling, I think it’s a really good way of conveying his message.

In your opinion, what’s the best way to get young people involved in reducing poverty in developing countries?
To get more involved with local charities and schools and help out any way you can.

What is your stance on charity work? Have you ever done any volunteer work?
It’s definitely worthwhile. I remember there was a scheme at my secondary school, which allowed pupils to choose a local charity, visit them and learn as much about them as we could. We would then make it into a project and presented it to the class - the winner won £10,000, which was donated to a charity of their choice. I chose an organisation that helped disabled people in Ilford and the winner was a teenage pregnancy charity. It was a really good way for us all to really get involved and learn a lot about how much of an impact we can make on people’s lives.

Describe your poetry in three words…
Passionate, Truthful, Poignant.

What single thing would improve the world?
Listening to each other more and taking young people’s views into consideration.

So I take it you support the idea that the vote should be lowered to 16 years old?
Yes! I think a lot of adults and people in power take for granted what teenagers know or are interested in. Most just see us as children that don’t know anything.

What is the closest you’ve come to experiencing poverty?
When my parents split up, I was living in a flat which was very small. I found it quite difficult at the time because I felt really claustrophobic.

How often do you perform live? Have any of your gigs been overseas?
As much as I can, but it varies - at times my schedule can be very busy, which is good because it helps with my confidence a lot.

Speaking of confidence, how is it?  Do you get really nervous on stage?
Sometimes I lack confidence and I also get really nervous before I perform. I also worry that I’ll forget my lines or something, but I seem to come to life on stage and all my nerves disappear.

What’s the trait you most dislike in others?
Liars. Especially when you know someone’s lying and they still deny it.

What’s the worst type of corruption you have personally experienced?
The MP’s misuse of expenses - it really proves that we don’t know what happens behind closed doors. They’re working for us, but they are spending our money.

What’s your favourite word?
Equilibrium – I don’t ever use this word but I just love the sound. I think it’s a really interesting combination of letters [laughs].

What are your thoughts in climate change/ global warming?
It definitely exists. There is so much evidence (everyone needs to watch The Age of Stupid and The Inconvenient Truth). I can’t understand how some politicians and people in general still think that it’s a myth. It’s a scary thought especially because it’s happening so fast.

What do you consider your greatest achievement so far?
My AS-Level exam results which were really impressive. I’m now doing-A Levels in English, Drama, History and Psychology; so I’ve got a few exams coming up quite soon.

Is it quite difficult to combine both your education and your poetry?
At times it can be and sometimes I do tend to spend more time on my poetry, but on the whole I manage with both. I would like to do degree maybe in Performing Arts or something, but I’ll just have to see where my poetry takes me.

What are you doing now? Any upcoming projects?
I’m still at college, so I’m mainly focusing on my exams  But afterwards, who knows?  I really still want to carry on performing because it’s what I love.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you so far?
Don’t give up! Be confident in what you want to do and have faith because if you want it enough and if you put your mind to it, whatever you want to succeed in will happen.

Words: Carissa Yeboah