Slam Poetry

I tried it
and it wasn’t easy.
I had a go at reciting an ode
which, after a slow start,
can explode
in a frenzy of emotions.
But I failed.
A Canadian poet
had planted the seed
of slam poetry in my head
but I did not succeed,
as I said.
His name was Shane
and I sensed the pain
that he felt as he spoke of a boy
who was dying of cancer
in a hospital ward
with no hope of reprieve.
And you better believe
that he heard the F word
from a child of nine
who was cursing his fate;
but he didn‘t flinch and instead
praised the kid‘s bravery.
The poet painted a picture
full of pathos and poignancy;
so potent that it’s hard
to emulate.
The audience sat in silence
and watched his performance
with reverence.
And I, on my part,
appreciated his art
and saluted a master at work.

© Luigi Pagano 2010