Relationship Meets Reality
Random shrieks
Reaching peak
Venting noises
Sound like poison
Volcano boiling
Senses roiling
Torrent building
Steam is rising
Emphasizing
Destabilizing
Watch it crumble
Sickening rumble
Step and stumble
Fall and tumble
Nearing bottom
Nearly sobbing
Senses throbbing
Body rocking
Thoughts clogging
Dam bursting
Somehow burning
Now emerging
Almost certain
Tears start falling
No one calling
Feeling bitter
Can’t deliver
Down the river
Indian giver
Confidence shook
No more looks
Burning books
Phone unhooked
Content hidden
Words forbidden
No religion
Bended knee
Vocal plea
Apology
Cannot see
To what degree
Newly free
Reality
What to be
Only me…
What is “Slam Poetry” ?
A poetry slam is a competition in which poets recite original poetry; it was originally started as a way to move poetry from academia to the real world. American poet, Marc Smith is credited with founding the movement in Chicago in 1984. Over time, the fast-paced style used by many of the contestants, morphed into a type of sub-genre of poetry. Poems that are anti-establishment, anti-authority, and hit the reader like a broadside from a warship dominated the stages. Words were delivered rapidly in short staccato-bursts of adrenaline-fueled releases. Although minimal words are used, they deliver copious amounts of information and meaning; even more important, they are easy to understand by the audience (often times most of the listeners have little exposure to poetry). This hard-hitting approach has been very impactful and has helped broaden the audience for all poets and all types of poetry, especially with younger people.
In this piece, “reality” is actually an interpretation of the emotional roller-coaster ride taken by a young person who is coming to grips with a break-up and the silent wall that is now erected in it’s former place. It hits hard, like sledge-hammer hard, and eventually leads to the age-old question of how to deal with being alone after the dust has settled.
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Ralph, this is the finest example of Slam poetry I have yet to see. You are right – it is clearly understood by the reader and “hits hard”. Excellent piece.
Nicely rendered with clever wordplay and expression, Ralph. Not personally a fan of the genre, but you have a talent for it, my friend.
Nice work Ralph, there are some slam poets who are very impactful. Harry Baker, for one, is amazing, Paper People is amazing. This work here was very good. Strong, staccato phrasing led the way in this in your face piece. Well done.
Like an angry machine gun, slam poetry is riveting, it’s fast and often staccato phrasing as Paul mentioned is for sure in ones face. Yet, if it captures an audience and helps poetry get out there, especially to the young upstart minds, then I say bring it on. I can’t say I’m a fan of it, but I fully respect all forms of poetry. Highly expressive in it’s captivation of structure and form. One can like it or slam it, I remain in the grey area of slam poetry. Well done indeed Ralph, you captured my attention for sure.