VLP Poetry Slam Literary Event One

First, I would like to state that I found this event very interesting. In fact, it was so interesting that I plan to attend a lot more next semester. It was not at all like I imagined. I figured the people reading would be reading famous authors poetry. I knew that some students read their own poetry, and it seems like someone mentioned to me that once in a while they have someone who has been published read some of their material. I would love to attend one of those slams. The atmosphere was light, relaxed, and yet fun. Erin Roseland read a poem she wrote and dedicated it to her father who is a farmer. Anthony Miller read a poem that I thought was very humorous, and I think the rest of the crowd also thought so. He won the Gladys Hasse Award for poetry. There was some poetry read that written by a Native American Student (Zonnie Oakie, I think), and these poems showed the heritage and culture of the writer. One was called “The Lost Buffalo” and the other was titled “The Prairie Prayer.” They were both interesting and had great rhythm. I felt both of these poems flowed easily. Kevin Cole was one of the readers. I’m not sure if he is the person who read the poem about navel jelly or if that was Anthony Miller’s poem. A poem titled “Duct Tape” was read, and I really didn’t care for the style or the words chosen, plus I felt it was a little dry, but that’s just my opinion. Tenasha Kesler read a poem that I felt was a little too long to keep my attention, it is either that or the poem just didn’t grab my attention. I was shocked to see the English department give out awards because I thought this was done at a banquet dinner which usually takes place at the Winery. Kelsey Meadows also won an award. I was impressed with such a young adult having the courage to read her work. An award was also given out for a play. I plan to encourage my daughter, Jacque to attend one of this next semester because she writes poetry in her spare time, and I’m hoping she will pick English as her major when she is ready to attend college. Overall, I felt this was a great experience and plan to attend more poetry slams in the future.