Where Did Shakespeare Go?

                Shakespeare has been the iconic image of poetry for nearly four centuries, and as ingenious as he was, I’m afraid his “ye’s” and “thou’s” are slightly outdated. A newer, rejuvenating form of poetry has surfaced amidst the rubble of New Yorks 1980’s jazz clubs and poetic café’s. This explosive poetry is known as Slam Poetry, a fitting name for an art that is sure to take your emotions on a ride, one way or another. Over the years it has evolved into a socially acceptable way to vent on any matter that you please, giving the topics a wide range of variety and allowing many different types of viewers to appreciate the poetry. Beau Sia, two time National Slam Champion, wrote a slam poem titled “Money,”

Beau Sia

where he explores his future life as a rich man and all the things he would do. He uses a fast pace, and goes over the ludicrous things he would do with the money. Some of the audience may interpret this as pure humor while others may see a deeper meaning, a fast paced life and the rich wasting their money on stupid things instead of contributing to society. At the ending, after clearly stating that he “would use people,” (perhaps another shot at the upper class) he acknowledges that “money can’t buy you love, but love, love can’t buy you shit.” A controversial poem to some, but without a doubt a great piece of work.  Slam Poetry also stems from the culture and history of many different ethnicities,  as Saul Williams shows in his piece “Children of the Night.” This African American man strikes home the struggles and prosperities that a black man has on this planet using amazing diction and metaphors that leave the listeners jaws on the floor. His ability to memorize these lines is astounding, and the poet has gained much respect in the community for this talent. In “Children of the Night,” he speaks mainly of a black man beneath

Saul Williams

God struggling against the pressure of the white man, also beneath God. He stresses equality and the inner soul searching for peace in order to have “an egoless world where all is one.”  Slam Poetry can also be performed in groups which gives it a very dynamic aspect with multiple voices and harmonies, as well as choreography. Team Nuyorican placed second in Bostons 2011 National Poetry Slam after sharing their performance of “Heart Escape.” This poem is on the relatable topic of love, and possibly the ever more relatable topic of heartbreak.  The extended metaphor f the poem is that they are within the heart, and all is well until they must escape. The only way out is to “pull out the pin and throw the grenade” signifying that there will be pain before it gets better again. Their use of harmonics makes the performance more enjoyable and also captures the audience’s attention.  Slam Poetry is a creative way to express ones thoughts or tell a story for awareness or straight entertainment. Poets pour their heart and souls into their work which makes for a solid community that loves and supports one another. Slam Poetry is bringing people together, one word at a time.