November 3 post (poetry SLAM)

Last weeks poetry SLAM was absolutely worth seeing and it got me thinking about diversity and just how important writing poetry can be for so many students. Poetry can be an outlet, and I know from my personal experiences, a lot of people shy away from poetry. Yet, I know that once you get over the idea that poetry is scary, it can be quite fun, and not when there are rules and structures, but when you can write free-verse, like the people did at the event. This made me realize that poetry is something that I should bring into my future classroom because I am sure that international students would have so many thoughts and emotions going through their heads. I want to hear about these, and what better way than through poetry. I also think it may help for my students to see a poetry SLAM, in person, so they can understand how powerful it can really be.

In terms of the actual poems we saw in class, I would have to say the very first poem read was my favorite. I found it so beautiful and passionate, and I loved it. Now, this poem probably had the least to do with being different or feeling out of place, something I imagine my students may feel in the future, but then again I have never really experienced those feelings. While I loved hearing about them, I can only assume that my favorite piece was the first one because I found it the most relatable. But again, this is great. If I brought my students to a poetry SLAM and they found themselves relating to some of the poems, that woudl be exactly what I would want. Even if my future students do not understand everything that is said, emotion in reading poetry can still evoke emotion.

As for the last piece, I have little to say. I couldn't read the screens, I did not know what was going on, and I was not interested. I tried as much as I could, and it could very well be that I have not had experiences that would allow me to understand, but regardless that just was not a "poem" for me.