The First Time I Forgot My Poem on Stage

2025
Written By The Poetry Lab
Featured
Ravina Wadhwani

is a South Asian American bestselling author, spoken word poet, and licensed therapist based in Long Beach, California. She is the author of YELLOW, a full-length collection of poetry and prose published by World Stage Press, which was named Best Poetry Collection of 2021 by Long Beach Post. Originally from the U.S. Virgin Islands, Ravina has performed her work on nationally and internationally acclaimed stages, including the House of Blues and the United Nations. She is a Pushcart Prize nominee and a touring artist with the spoken word collective Never Speak Long Beach. Ravina’s work has been featured in Yahoo Finance, Voyage LA, SHOUTOUT Atlanta, Livewire, and the Los Angeles Sentinel. She teaches poetry and publishing through the University of Southern California and the Community Literature Initiative and is the founder of “Writing as Healing,” a bimonthly workshop and open mic exploring the intersections of creativity and mental health. Ravina is a co-host of The Poetry Lab Podcast.

Find her at @ravina.340 | 🎧 Listen to The Poetry Lab Podcast

Hey poet!

Ever blanked on stage? Ravina has—in front of her entire high school.

What could’ve been the end of her poetry journey became a lesson in resilience, community, and remembering that showing up is the real win.

In this episode, learn how support, self-compassion, and a little reframing can turn setbacks into stepping stones.

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The Poetry Lab

The Poetry Lab is a place in your community to read, write, and collaborate. Now holding virtual workshops via Zoom. Everyone is welcome!

http://thepoetrylab.com
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