My First Poetry Slam Entry

Last Thursday I entered myself into an open poetry slam. It was a spur of the moment thing. The community college where I'm an adjunct faculty had an open poetry slam. I wanted to check out some of the poets and also recruit possible features for 832 Coffee House, an event I host every month. I thought perhaps I could enter myself. I did. Since it was last minute, I had to be put on the waiting list. On the phone with my wife on the way there; I still wasn't sure if I wanted to do it. I wasn't even sure what I poem or song I would do.

When I got there, I was initially told that because I was late I couldn't get on stage. I'm not sure if I was relieved or disappointed. I sat there and watched a few poets perform. A number of them were good but none would have been appropriate for 832. It seemed they were all either not very creative, too graphic, or profane. Right after a poet named Travesty was done doing a profanity-filled piece dissing the Texas state government, the announcement was made by the host that I should go talk to the organizer. Apparently she went to check with the judges and they said it was okay for me to perform. I sent a quick text to my wife and went on stage to perform "one wish" (from Prison of Stained Glass). It was the easiest for me to remember. At this point I'm thinking that I probably should have practiced since I have never done a poetry slam before and I haven't even rapped on stage in a long while. But I figured the audience would get the message from my piece and I wouldn't have to worry about the 2nd round.

To my surprise I made the 2nd round! Sweet! I was in the top 10 out of about 30 entries. But I hadn't really thought this far ahead and didn't know what to do next. I sent another text to my wife right before I got on stage. She was less suprised that I made the 2nd round. The 2nd round didn't go so well. I got through about 8 lines of Strange Land and stumbled. I tried picking it back up but to no avail. It still stings now thinking about it but it's not bad for my first time. I waited to hear them announce the top 5 but not long enough to hear the top 3. With preparation, I probably would have made the final cut but I didn't so I went back home a little embarassed but also a little excited. When you're in a real love relationship with God and an amazing wife, you don't stay down too long.