Slam Poetry

Brainstorming: Start with your journal. Make a list of things you believe, things that make you mad, or things that you feel go unnoticed by others, things that are important to you. Write for 5 minutes. Try to fill a page or two.

Now, look over your list and choose the topic that you feel may be the most interesting to an audience. Write a poem based on this chosen idea. This will be a first draft.

When you complete your draft, please watch the following poetry slam performances:

Saul Williams

• Coded Language
• Ohm
• Telegram
• Said the Shotgun to His Head
• Explain My Heart (with music)
• Reparations (with music)

Jessica Care Moore

• Black Statue of Liberty
• When My Son Sees an American Flag
• Box This
• Inspired Word
• I'm a Hip Hop Cheerleader

CLASSWORK: For each poet, please write your reaction to their performances, identify some of the key themes and messages or morals that the authors present to us (what is their poetry trying to teach us?) Use the index card given to you to record your reaction/observations. Turn the card in at the end of class for credit.

CLASSWORK: Write a slam poem. By the end of class today, you should have a slam poem draft written.

HOMEWORK: Write a second poem (your choice) in your journal in the quiet of your house. Topic can be anything. Remember to use IMAGERY! Bring this draft with you to our next class.