Slam Poetry 1

28 November 2018Sarah R, Mackenzie ‘20; Photo by Ms Wolinsky

You say you love the rain. But do you, actually? Do you like its wetness and cold? Do you love walking under the rain? Do you love dancing under it? Or do you just love it when you are comfortable inside Sipping your wine, reading bad literature In the light of the fireplace that warms you up… You say you love me. But do you, actually? Do you love me when I snap at you out of anger? Do you love me when I’m confused and lost and I want you to help me fix it? Do you love me when I boil my eyes out because of That stupid movie we watched the other day? Or You just enjoy me being funny and nice and caring… Do you love me being there for you when you are upset? Do you love me when I tell you that you are wrong Because you are! Or When I say that you are the best Even though you are obviously not! You say you love the rain.. But do you, actually? You say you love me. But do you, actually? The poem above was both written and eloquently delivered by Ana L, Hope ‘19 last week at this year’s first slam poetry evening. Slam poetry is an opportunity for anybody to share their poems and creative expression in a welcoming environment of students whose passion for poetry outways even their desire to study during prep on a Friday night! In the early evening, more than fifty enthusiastic students gathered in Mr. Collis’ classroom to share their work, support their friends, or just enjoy an evening of imagination and laughs. As this year’s slam poetry Captain Hazel W, Mackenzie ‘19 said it was “great to have so many people come out” that night! One by one the speakers approached the table in the center of the cluster of audience members to deliver their individual poems. Whether they were long or short, serious or hilarious, fingers were snapped (the slam poetry version of applause) for all. Students from all grades and even two teachers stood up to deliver a piece. Slam poetry is an unusual and cherished opportunity for everyone, as it offers a casual environment to enjoy all tears, joy, and inspiration that poetry can bring. Thank you to Hazel and Mr. Collis for the effort they put into organizing it, and we all look forward to hearing more amazing poems next slam night! Sarah R, Mackenzie ‘20

Where Students Choose To Be