20- Lucy Wan

How to write a slam poem

I don't know much (as shown by my grades this year, oops), but if like to think I kind of know about slam poetry. After all, I might watch way too much of it for my own good. Here's my 5 steps to writing a slam poem.

1. Pick a topic.

Your topic should make you feel something. Whether it's anger or sadness of happiness, the stronger the emotion, the easier it is to write a poem. 

2. Start of with a mundane and seemingly unrelated intro.

I once started off a poem talking about how my nail polish was chipping off and ended it on body issues. The more out-of-left-field your issue seems to come from, the more impactful it will be.

3. Describe things in new and fresh ways. 

Everyone has heard of eyes that are as blue as the ocean, but has anyone heard of eyes like outer space, as bright as the stars? Feel free to create similes and metaphors that are totally unique to you. The more personalized the poem is, the better it reflects you.

4. Think of how it will sound.

The most important and distinguishing factor of slam poetry is that it's meant to be performed. Thus, as you're writing the poem, think of how it will sound when read aloud. Are there any words you can stumble over? Do your line breaks sound awkward? Edit your poem so that it's easy to read.

5. Write whatever you want.

Whatever I say, the poem is is your own. The words you write can be whatever you want; in the end, slam poetry is read to an audience, but written by you.