I got there late and walked in as Mayda de Valle was performing.

She is nothing short of incredible.

She's fast-paced and fierce. Listening to her is like hearing a second language in which you doubt your abilities to speak, hear, or comprehend. There was a delay in fully taking in what she was saying and by then she was gone, on to something else, just as powerful, just as poetic.

I caught a snippet that remained w/ me: this is a modern day trail of tears.
I have to hear this one again.

Once I sat down and was settled, I could concentrate more on her words in a lighter piece about lovin the fly boys . . . because he's got to be a sneaker addict.

After her last piece, the audience jumped to a stand and cheered and clapped. A guy in my row shouted "This show is over" and made as if to leave.

She is that good. If you get a chance to see her, you MUST go.