POETRY
HERO
a play-by-play of the day's events, leading up to the moment I was crowned Poetry Hero.
5
Let me walk you through the day of the
District SD42 Poetry Slam.
9 am - Rewrites
I frantically work to complete my new slam poem before the competition. I'm working in the business lab. "Good luck," Scoular says, "or, no, break a leg....What do you say for a poetry slam?"
10 am - Memorization
With my slam still warm from the laser printer, I scan over the lines of poetry, starting at the end, the newest material, and working my way back to the beginning.
11:30 am - Egress
A quick trip to my locker, and then Pegg & I hop into my Jeep. We play music from "The Last 5 Years" and "High School Musical".
11:50 am - Arrival @ Westview
I'm on my way into the school when I realize I've left my poem in my locker. Panic. Luckily, Westview's wifi was open, and my poem was stored online. Download it to my phone. Relax.
12 pm - Preparation
Competitors are issued I.D. lanyards and programs, and ushered into the multi-purpose room.
12:20 pm - LET IT BEGIN
I am the sixth competitor to perform. I am oddly alone, up on stage in the spotlight. I am not myself. I am someone braver, someone honest. I am just a girl telling my best friend that I love her.
When I walk off stage, I see her wipe her eyes.
2: 15 pm - Coronation
I was certain I would not win. My message was not powerful, or entertaining. Jaimee's poem "Waiting" was the clear winner for Wordsmith, line after line of sophisticated and polished poetry tumbling off her tongue. But I guess I had just enough of everything to take home the figurative crown.