slam it

For all you slam poetry junkies out there, here is Phil Kaye. He and Sarah Kay, slam poets and founders of Project V.O.I.C.E., came tonight to UCSB to host and perform at a slam poetry contest. 

I like slam poetry and sometimes I even love it, but I don’t actively listen to it, and I had never been to a live, flesh and blood, slam poetry reading until tonight. It was fucking awesome. During the performances I teared up, and laughed, felt uncomfortable, and touched. It was wonderful. And I suddenly regretted my fear of the stage, of the eyes and ears piercing through any and everything I have to say. 

I’ve always had stage fright, which is why I have a deep, deep respect for anyone who goes before a crowd and performs. I enjoyed so much watching my peers going up there tonight and valiantly pouring their hopes and their politics, their fears and their regrets into a microphone. It was refreshing and entirely inspiring. 

Now, to get over this fear…

(photo by yours truly)