This piece personifies an experience I had during a sort of “impromptu” slam poetry session on a college campus about five or so years ago. I haven’t done any slam poetry since then, but looking back on it, I’ve been curious about doing it once again. Even if it’s just one time. It felt different. It felt raw and unfiltered. Maybe, one day, I could feel that sense again. I hope this piece encourages those who identify as artists or artsy to give slam poetry a try. Even if it’s just one time.

The words had been written and the thoughts carved out

Why was this nervousness gripping at me?

My heartbeat sped like rapid fire, and my mind worked in overdrive

But there it was: the passion, the need, the want

I couldn’t let my words stay on that paper; No

I had to let them be heard, even if one person truly listened

My mind was so filled with clutter, I hadn’t realized that my friends were trying to tell me

‘You should go. Go on!’

The pit of my stomach knotted, but I smiled and nodded

It’s time. No holding back.

I walked the vast lawn to the small podium on the platform

The crowd that day was of decent size, their blankets all laid underneath the blue sky and shining sun

I reached the podium, heart racing faster than the speed of light now

The paper in my hand had the words and thoughts

Just do it. Even if no one listens, just do it. For you.

Being of final and sound mind, I lowered the mic to my level

And it started

The words became truth, to myself even if to no one else

I spoke of gold and being wealthy at heart

And in that time, the passion took over

The strength kicked in, and I felt alive

I felt like a queen with a crown heavier than her nerves underneath

I felt regal, I felt alive

The words and thoughts made me feel like a fire flame

When it was done, people clapped

They listened!?!?

I heard someone tell me ‘great job!’ as I passed people to return to my friends

I had been a queen

Even if only in my head, to me.