Overview: Consider the examples of slam poetry we have explored and discussed as a class, and create your own slam poem.

Assignment: Create a slam poem about a topic you are passionate about. While you will not be required to “perform” your poem for the class, you should create your poem in a way that demonstrates your understanding of what makes a good slam poem. Your poem should satisfy the following criteria:

• Topic of poem should cast light on a hot-button topic or bring-to-bare a topic not often discussed for one reason or another.
• The topic should be something you care deeply about / or want others to care deeply about.
• Your poem should attempt to include literary devices such as figurative language (similes, metaphors, hyperbole, alliteration, etc.)
• Your poem should be designed to be presented (though not required) for a least one-minute.

Assessment:  Your poem will be graded on your ability to meet the criteria above, as well as you use of class time during the next few days.  This includes your ability to respect the creative process of other poets each day, as well as your ability to appropriately use the time you have been allotted.