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<\/a><\/p>\nWe call them
\nSlams
\nAlthough they’re
\nHugs
\nFor twenty years
\nWeaving poetry rugs<\/p>\n
Held once monthly
\nIn area pubs
\nAnd coffee shops
\nAnd classroom rubs<\/p>\n
We pick words Read your poem Overcome fear Mission:<\/strong> To provide a comfortable and welcome setting in which to write poetry.<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong> Pubs, coffeehouses, schools, local fun-raisers, any place where pencil, pen,and paper can gather.<\/p>\n When:<\/strong> As needed, but monthly, on any day, at any time. For twenty years, we have held slams in a two hour time frame, on Wednesday’s, between 6pm-9pm.<\/p>\n Who:<\/strong> Sponsors, if needed, can be as varied as the participants who support the fun; Anyone can have a poetry slam. At the dinner table, around the picnic table, anywhere where words can flow. Our sponsor for twenty years has been the Whidbey Island Arts Council. The WIAC support enables us to compensate the hosts, provide sound, and offer fun prizes and\/or prize money to participants.<\/p>\n What & How:<\/strong> So, What’s the Point of a Poetry Slam? : Having had the pleasure of hosting the monthly Whidbey Island Arts Council sponsored poetry slams since 1993, I can share unequivocally that all attending, whether they participate in writing a poem on the spot or not, will have a fun time, will feel comfortable sharing their improvisational creation, and will leave with a positive reminder of the multitudinous joys of poetry.<\/p>\n For more specific information, please contact Jim Freeman by e-mail at fun@whidbey.com or by calling 360-331-2617.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n An Example Poem by Drew Kampion, 11\/14\/12<\/p>\n Poem Awe Dew<\/p>\n The immortals set sail, These immortals \u2013 this gathering \u2013 And so on, they drifted, as the sun It was Jesus, finally, who prepared the celebratory nectar, “Mum’s the Word,” he spaketh <\/p>\n words: eclipse, thriller, awe, musty, sundowner, flagrant, delectable, Submitted by Jim Freeman We call them Slams Although they’re Hugs For twenty years Weaving poetry rugs Held once monthly In area pubs And coffee shops And classroom rubs We pick words At least three To write in 20 minutes … Continue reading <\/a>
\nAt least three
\nTo write in 20 minutes
\nOne’s poetry<\/p>\n
\nFeel the love
\nKnow the comfort
\nNo push or shove<\/p>\n
\nOverwhelm joy
\nPoetry slams
\nYour poetry toy<\/p>\n
\nA Poetry Slam, Whidbey Island style, involves the host inviting suggestions of three or more words from the audience, or judges. The suggested words are to be used as a common thread for a spontaneous, free-form creation by those in attendance. Within 20-25 minutes, the poems are written. Then the poems are shared aloud with one another. Competitions can be created, prizes given, or merely classroom instruction for all involved.<\/p>\n
\na sundowner drifting out in scant wind
\ntowards a gilded horizon.
\nTheir aim \u2013 their wish, really \u2013
\nto bring blessings to the edge of the world.<\/p>\n
\nreplete with delectable opportunity:
\nUlysses taking up a paddle
\nto do battle with Thor \u2013
\nping-pong on the aft deck.
\nCyrus and Leandra in a casual game of chess
\nthat quick became a thriller
\nwhen Hermes snatched the queen’s rook,
\nwhich brought Pele to her feet
\nto call the flagrant foul.<\/p>\n
\nsettled towards that crisp edge of horizon
\nand Hercules did pushups at the bar.<\/p>\n
\npassed it to Gautama to sample,
\nand when he pronounced it a bit musty but drinkable,
\nshushed him with a “Ya-sure!”<\/p>\n
\nthrough chaste lips
\njust as Muhammed’s aardvark let out a squeal
\nto see the golden orb plunge suddenly
\ninto the darkness of eclipse,
\nleaving the immortals helpless.<\/p>\n
\nping-pong, gilded, dew, poem, blessings, mum, aardvark, chaste, yasure<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"