Umze'
Poet
Umze' is a survivor. From navigating a military career, to enduring and ending abusive relationships to losing a child to illness, to simply existing in a society which actively seeks to silence her, she has found healing and solace in putting her thoughts and feelings on paper.
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Since retiring from the US Army in 2015, Umze' explores expression of the human condition through multiple creative disciplines. Based in Columbus, Ohio, her poetry focuses on recovering from traumatic experiences as well as giving voice to those who feel unheard.
Poet Resume'
Leslie Battle
Pen name: Umze’
Columbus, Ohio • lesliebattlecomedy@gmail.com • www.lesliebattle.com
Interdisciplinary writer and performance artist experienced in community outreach, public speaking and operational strategy. Skilled interpersonal communicator.
Dynamic. Expressive. Community Minded
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Publication
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“Intoxication” (Ohio Bards Poetry Anthology, May 2025)
Readings
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Space Bar: “Wonder Doug Mic” Nov 2, 2023
House Show: “Wonder Doug Secret Show” Jan 28, 2024
Goodale Park: “Shhhh! They’ll Hear You” April 21, 2024
Third Way Coffee House: “ DiVerses Poetry Mic” Oct 3, 2024
Kafe Kerouac: “Poetry Cauldron” Oct 30, 2024
We Amplify Voices: “We Amplify Voices Mic” Nov 8, 2024
Streetlight Guild: “Some Change” Nov 16, 2024
Worthington Theater: “Winter Celebration” Dec 13 – 15, 2024
Third Way Coffee Shop: “DiVerses Retreat Fellows Reading” Feb 1, 2025
Streetlight Guild: “Company Coming Open Mic” Mar 21, 2025​
Wright State University
BA in Mass Communications (2005)