Putting Up Your Words: The Wayne County Public Library Poetry Slam

Poetry is an ageless art form, starting as a way to preserve the myths and legends of ancient cultures long before these tales were written down. As all arts poetry has evolved with the times and remains with us today. The latest evolution of poetry is often referred to as “slam poetry.” Two or more poets recite their poetry out loud, sometimes with musical accompaniment, in a contest measuring both poetry writing and performance skills.
To encourage the youth of our communities to express themselves creatively and to raise awareness of this constantly-growing mode of literary performance, the Wayne County Public Library is sponsoring a Poetry Slam on April 22 in the Gertrude Weil Auditorium at the Main Branch. It is one of the many events that the Library has scheduled to celebrate National Poetry Month.

The Slam is open to students in middle school and high school, and participants can compete individually or in groups. Of course all poems performed must be original and if competing as a team all performers must have collaborated on the poem. The Library gladly offers performance consultants for those desiring it.

Other events to observe National Poetry Month include and open mic night at the Steele Memorial Branch in Mount Olive and a poetry video. The video is an especially interesting experiment; a manned video camera will be sent around Wayne County’s communities, and people young and old alike will be invited to perform their favorite poetry in front of it.
Brandon Robbins is an employee of the Library’s Reference Department who helped organize and execute last fall’s well-received “Poetry Out Loud” program, wherein he joined local poet C. K. Goodman (who will also be contributing to the National Poetry Month celebrations) in bringing poetry performance to Wayne County’s schools. He has been writing poetry since his sophomore year of college. “I think it’s great that we’re doing things for our youth that involve poetry,” he says. “Our kids need an outlet for expression, and helping them find that outlet is one of the most important things the Library can do.”

Many teenagers find poetry natural. Not only does poetry require only a pen and paper, it is also so closely tied with music (which is another favorite pastime of youth) that it is not as alien to some teens as other pursuits may be. In fact, although music is not allowed as part of the performance for the Library’s Slam, the participants are encouraged to use music as a source of inspiration for their poems and performance styles.

Perhaps the greatest boon of poetry is that it is a safe and sane way for teens to articulate their thoughts, opinions, concerns, and emotions; and performing their poetry is an equally safe and sane way to share them.

For more information about Wayne County Public Library’s Poetry Slam, or any of the National Poetry Month events, come by the Reference Desk of the Main Branch and ask to speak to Sue Geiger or call 919-735-1824 ext. 5116.