The intersection of poetry and performance

Performance poems are, as the name suggests, designed to be performed. Although the text of the poem can be read, and frequently such poems are included in published books of poetry, a full experience requires that the poet perform the piece. 

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Performance poems, especially those performed as part of a competition, are colloquially called slam poems. Although there is no explicit rules regarding what makes a slam poem, popular pieces tend to use more accessible language than dense written poems and often focus on a deeply emotional experience. 

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Here's a video of me trying my hand at a slam poem!