Chorlie's picture
Chorlie from Philadelphia, PA is reading The Rules of the Tunnel October 2, 2011 - 5:58pm

What is the distinct difference?

 

Hope Street

 

Passing by suburban street signs.

They have simple messages to follow,

which is quite nice when I think about it.

As opposed to my concrete jungle:

tow zone; no parking zone; drug free school zone...

yes zone, my city is zoned.

It’s a grid that has an agenda,

to separate by market value.

Homes side by side to show self-worth,

not unlike the suburban structures.

Pre-packaged balsa wood ready for new families,

as dad puts in the new mailbox,

with dollar sign next to the address.

Impeccable lawns; fresh paint; no furniture

yes empty, the houses are meaningless.

It’s a show for other homeowners.

Reality happens behind closed doors,

in cities and suburbs.

I’m just following the street signs,

maybe I can find one that is for the public,

symbols or words.

It doesn’t matter, just as long as it isn’t a facade,

or an endless journey; a mirage.

Charles's picture
Charles from Portland is reading Mongrels by Stephen Graham Jones October 2, 2011 - 6:22pm

if you figure it out, i'd like to know, too.

lyndonriggall's picture
lyndonriggall from Tasmania is reading Going Bovine by Libba Bray October 3, 2011 - 12:54am

My understanding is that a 'slam' is just a poetry recital, but competitive.  I entered one this year, heading off to a state final on October 16th.

Nick Wilczynski's picture
Nick Wilczynski from Greensboro, NC is reading A Dance with Dragons by George R.R. Martin October 5, 2011 - 5:09pm

The difference primarily involves, in my understanding, the presence of an upright bass.

Laramore Black's picture
Laramore Black from Joplin, Missouri is reading Mario Kart 8 October 5, 2011 - 8:42pm

When I think of slam poetry I just think of this...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1GtBpIORJY