It seems like every time I tell someone that I write poetry and participate in poetry slams, they respond by telling me, "Oh, I love slam poetry!" From there on, there is three minute conversation that involves them telling me about all these poets I have either never heard of or them asking me to perform a poem for them on the spot. The conversation then usually comes to a close by me telling them about an upcoming poetry slam that I am involved in and them responding by saying, "yes," when I know damn well they're not actually going to come.

At this point, I've pretty much perfected this conversation and reached a point where I'm not really bothered when people act fake interested or are interested, but too lazy to actually come out and support. With that being said, AU is going to be hit with a lot of poetry and spoken word over the next twelve months.

Over the past year, AU Slam Poetry has doubled its membership and finished in the top 25 at the March Madness of collegiate poetry slams known as CUPSI. As AU Slam Poetry moves in to 2016, it will move closer and closer to living up to the history and energy that exists in the D.C. poetry scene. The first stepping stone in this process is the DMV Regional Slam taking places this Friday, March 18th at the Brookland Busboys and Poets, located just minutes away from the Brookland-CUA metro stop. Tickets are just $5, and for the cost of a 2 a.m. Friday night meal at McDonald's, you can watch the University of Maryland, Georgetown, VCU and American University go head to head for bragging rights. Before you make the trip out to Brookland on Friday night, you can check out this quick preview of five poets and teams that will be on hand on Friday night.

Kosi Dunn

D.C. native and University of Maryland undergrad, Kosi Dunn, is a dynamic host, poet and one day, author.

Em Allison

Back with the VCU team for a second year, Em Allison, is a powerful voice in the collegiate scene today. With her strong voice and words, she is definitely worth the price of admission.

Marvin Hodges

In only his first year of writing poetry, Marvin Hodges has found a gift in writing. Going from newcomer to superstar in a matter of months, Hodges is possibly one of the most talented poets in the collegiate space and is definitely one of the nicest people you will meet.

Pages Matam

The coach and honestly, the most interesting personality on the American University Slam Team, Pages Matam. Pages is an author, National Poetry Slam Champion and all around great writer. While he may not be performing, he is definitely worth coming out to see because he is such a great host and person to be around.

American University Slam Team

SQUAD! The American University Slam is back at it again with returning members, Kendall Baron, Lauren White, Ryan Shepard and its newest member, Melan Shannon.

If that wasn't enough, I'm going to throw in one more poem below. Remember. Five Dollars. Friday. Brookland Busboys and Poets. For more information, click here.