CBC Question 4: On Slam Poetry
February 10, 2007
The Jim Interview
CBC: WHAT’S SO GREAT ABOUT SLAM POETRY?
Slam poetry at its worst is a false American Idle which fools some Canadian poets into thinking they can be the “best” poet. Face-Off Poetry is the poetry where we take our faces off and we skate for the team. Tonight five poets have laced up and have donned the lyric jersey of the team of truth in the never ending contest against the league of liars. May we speak with Canadian prophecy against those who speak for profit. However: there is nothing wrong with entertainment and that is why as soon as the poetry puck leaves the refs hands my gloves are dropping down to the ice and I’m coming out with bare knuckled words. And I hope my team mates will do the same. And sure, when the game is over, pick a star or two, let the clownish commentators cast their comments on the rock-em-sock-em poetry, but eh, all that really matters:
Is it the team of truth that will win for Canada tonight.
