Poetry in Transit

Award Winning Poet Marie Brown Finds Inspiration on METRO

Who knew that riding transit could spark one’s creative juices? When local poet Marie Brown’s car was totaled in an accident two years ago, little did she know that there would be a silver lining to her loss. Instead of buying a new car, the 59-year old grandmother began using METRO to get where she needed to go.

Today, she still proudly travels by bus and rail and credits transit with unleashing her creative talent. Brown said riding METRO has given her the freedom to observe the world around her. She often incorporates her experiences and the people she meets on METRO into her writings. Not having to drive also allows her to quickly put her thoughts to paper.

“It’s taken me out of my comfort zone and better connected me to society,” she said. “I'm writing while I'm on the bus. I have my pad and pencil, or I am day dreaming. I can't do either one from behind the wheel," said Brown.

A San Antonio native, Brown moved to Houston more than two decades ago and honed her skills as a member of the Texas Southern University debate team under the guidance of the legendary Dr. Thomas F. Freeman. Over the years she has been the recipient of numerous awards. Most recently, she was named the 2018 Champion of the Houston Poetry Slam (HPS) team and now serves as the group’s coach.

Last summer, Brown reached out to METRO staff with suggestions and included some of her transit-inspired writings. Her enthusiasm led to an unexpected opportunity. METRO asked to feature Brown performing her craft in a commercial for the agency's new Drive Less. Do More. campaign.

Brown said being a part of the campaign was an incredible honor.

"I'm very excited, bursting with joy,” she said.

It’s just one more accomplishment to add to Brown’s list of successes. As the coach of HPS, she now has her sights set on bringing home a national title.

"We've never won the national championships. This will be our year."

Originally featured in METRO Connections: June 2018. To subscribe to future issues, click here.