Poets from around the U.S. and beyond gathered in Madison last week to compete in I saw a powerful tribute to I saw poets from every corner of the country, from big cities, small cities and everywhere in between, representing a multitude of poetic styles and approaches. From Boise's all-female team piece about the Sirens of Greek mythology, to New York's Rachel McKibbens' devastating exploration of domestic violence, to Madison's Josh Healey performing a local slam swan song at Overture Hall before leaves town, to Chicago's Green Mill team recruiting dozens of poets and audience members to mimic the movements of sperm; the range of topics covered was similarly breathtaking. Most of all, however, I found a renewed energy to keep writing and performing. Competitive poetry isn't for everyone, and it's certainly not perfect. But the energy generated by a good poetry slam is undeniable; we are, after all, a bunch of artists, and that calling isn't always easy. Sometimes a big, community-building event like the National Poetry Slam is just the kind of spark we need. In the end, as is repeated at every slam, "the points are not the point; the poetry is the point," and no matter who won or lost, I think we're all going back to our home cities hungry and inspired, ready to create.
National Poetry Slam 2008 enriches Madison: The week in review
