Poetry is an art from meant to be heard and experienced, bot just read and analyzed from a book.

Spoken word emerged in the late 1980's and early 90's with "poetry slams" where spoken word artists would "duel" on the stage. It is a new wave of performing art that rely's on beat, voice, and movement for expression. It is often a solo performance, though others may be enlisted to help set the stage. .

"Poetry is the music of the soul" (Voltarie)Is it any wonder then that spoken word emerged?

Let's take a look at a few examples and see what you think...

These first two examples are beatnik, from an old movie "So I Married an Axe Murderer"

This one you may have heard part of before...

Before we listen to the last poem, I'm going to hand out a copy. Read it with a partner and see if you can bring the words to life.Then think about the following...

What is the main message?

What line moves you most and why?

What does the poet mean when he says, "speak every time you stand so you do not forget yourself"?

How is repetition used to help emphasize the point? What does "dust" refer to?

What do the last lines of the poem mean to you?

What does Anis say poet's words should do for you?

Now let's listen to him deliver his message...

How do these poems challenge your understanding of what poetry is?

Which poem spoke to you the most and why?

What makes these poems appealing?

What techniques do the poets use to help bring the words alive?