Poet and his audience

So I've been reading some other blogs on poetry slams and what people think about the whole thing. Some people say it is an art form all to itself, others say it's just a gimmick to get others turned on to poetry. I think it can be both and several other things.

I think it can serve as a great public forum to speak on social issues. Every individual who comes to slams gets to participate. Whether you're a poet or a judge it is indeed the most democratic art form out there. The other great thing about it is as Andy would say "Everyone gets there 15 minutes."

Ok a lot of people aren't going to agree with me on this but like it or not slamming is an art form. Anyone who is a public speaker is an artist in what they do. It doesn't matter if you're a preacher, poet, politician, teacher, or what ever. If you speak in front of an audience and are able to hold there attention and relay a message that is total an art form. Some people are born with it and some people pick up the craft along the way. No question it is a very powerful art. Just look at some of the great public speakers of our time JFK, Martin Luther King, Garrison Keillor, even Bill Clinton.

For me Poetry Slams are a gimmick! I used to be in an Indy Rock band. When I would be on stage there was nothing greater in the world, the smell of cigarettes and beer, the hot lights making you sweat. Then there's the audience! To engage them is where it's at. Duwane who was not only the base player but also my musical mentor would always tell me "You have to learn to control the audience." This wasn't a manipulative thing, more like a leading the horse to water kind of thing. People have emotions they just have to be reminded. That is why I do poetry slams and open mics. To connect with an audience! I love it when a poet can walk into a room of about fifty people when there is still a lot of chatter and just draw everyone into total silence. If you can hear a pin drop you got them. So anyway, I plan on going out this Monday night too Larry's in search of an audience. Hopefully I'll see you their.

Poetry Forum at Larry's