Trigger Warning: Some of these poems talk about sexual assault, rape culture, and instances of violence against women.
We all have something that is our go=to procrastination activity. For some, it’s walking or exercising, for others it’s grabbing a coffee, or aimlessly scrolling through social media. For me, it’s watching slam poetry. I first started watching slam poetry when I was asked to write my own slam poem in high school. I love the passion that can be portrayed through them, and I’ve found that although I used them to procrastinate, they often make me feel more empowered to do my work and to keep on moving through the stress and struggles with everyday life. I’ve found that slam poetry is important because it gives people a way to express their frustrations in a way that is both artful and meaningful. A good slam poem can give you that feeling in your gut that makes you want to get up and do something. So, if you’re looking for some motivation or a way to procrastinate, here are some of my favorite slam poems:
1. “Like Totally Whatever”- Melissa Lozada-Oliva
Lozada-Oliva playfully addresses the way women speak, while sharply critiquing the way that woman have been not only silenced but also shamed for the way that they speak. It’s like totally the best poem ever.
2. “Manic Pixie Dream Girl”- Olivia Gatwood
One of our writers, Mackenna, has tackled the topic of the Manic Pixie Dream Girl, a trope often found in indie movies. Gatwood tackles the issue from a unique perspective and creates a beautiful critique of this trope.
3. “Nuclear Spring” –Marina Keegan
Not as angry or ‘slammy’ as some of the other poems, but Keegan gets incredibly deep, and her metaphors are incredibly moving.
4. “What Guys Look for in Girls”- Savannah Brown
A deep and emotion-filled critique of a woman’s idea of body image, and society’s expectations of women.
5. “Ain’t I a Woman?”- Kai Davis
I can feel the frustration in this poem because it is relatable on so many different levels. Davis explores the challenges of the different labels that are often forced upon black women.
6. “For The Rapists Who Called Themselves Feminist”- Blythe Baird
I love this. It gets me so fired up because Baird expresses the anger of all women. She cuts at the patriarchy, and she calls out the societal problems with rape culture.
7. “Dear Ursula”- Melissa May
So much body positivity. And yet another woman calling out society on its insane beauty and body standards.
8. “The Period Poem”- Dominique Christina
Christina calls out a twitter user for his criticism of periods. She reclaims the importance of a woman’s period, and she projects empowerment.
9. “A Letter to the Girl I Used to Be”- Ethan Smith
This is a powerful, and thought-provoking poem, written by a man to the girl that he once was.
10. “Ode to the Selfie”- Speak Like a Girl
This will make you smile. So much body positivity, and it is incredibly eloquent.
11. “To JK Rowling, from Cho Chang” – Rachel Rostad
A critique of the lack of diversity in the Harry Potter series. Angry and amazing.
I love slam poetry because it has so many feelings. Not only that, but slam poetry makes me want to get up and do something, which for me is incredibly powerful. So if you’re looking for some empowering procrastination, try some slam poems. I know that they feel even more meaningful this week than ever.
Image credits: Giphy