Slam poetry, or spoken word poetry, is a dynamic and expressive form of verse that emphasizes performance and vocal delivery. Originating from the competitive poetry slam movement in the 1980s, slam poems are typically performed in front of an audience, often in poetry slams or spoken word events.
The content of slam poems can range from personal experiences, social issues, political commentary, or reflections on identity and culture. Slam poets use various techniques, such as rhythm, repetition, gestures, and vocal dynamics, to captivate and engage the audience.
The performative aspect of slam poetry adds an emotional and visceral dimension to the words, making it a powerful medium for sharing personal stories, challenging societal norms, and creating connections between the poet and the audience. Slam poetry continues to be a vital platform for amplifying diverse voices and fostering community engagement through poetry.
‘Knock Knock’ by Daniel Beaty is a heartfelt poem exploring themes of loss and hope through the powerful narrative of a father-son relationship.
As a boy I shared a game with my father.
Played it every morning โtil I was 3.
He would knock knock on my door, and Iโd pretend to be asleep โtil he got right next to the bed,
Then I would get up and jump into his arms.
โCynthiaโ is a humorous example of slam poetry from the comedy movie ’22 Jump Street.’ It is performed by Jonah Hillโs character, Morton Schmidt, on stage.ย
Yelling โ Angry!
Waving my hands a lot
Specific point of view on things