The Return of the Oral Tradition

Poetry Slams 2.0

Remember when poetry was something you listened to around a fire, not just read on a page? Well, it's coming back with a vengeance.

Poetry slams are evolving. With the rise of TikTok and YouTube, performance poetry is reaching audiences like never before. But here's the kicker – it's not just about snapping fingers in dimly lit cafes anymore.

I'm seeing a trend towards "poetry experiences." Imagine VR poetry rooms where the words come alive around you, or augmented reality poetry walks through your city. The line between poet and audience is blurring, and it's exhilarating.

Your Turn: The Future is Co-Created

Here's where you come in, dear reader. The future of poetry isn't something that happens to us – it's something we shape together.

So, I want to hear from you:

• What trends are you noticing in your poetry circles?

• How has your writing changed in the past year?

• What's your wildest prediction for poetry's future?

Drop your thoughts in the comments, or better yet, write a poem about it and tag me. Let's co-create this future, one verse at a time.

Until next time, keep your pen sharp and your mind open. The best poem hasn't been written yet – and it might just be yours.

Here’s a new poem by myself.

The Secret Life of Dust Mites was written in the style of R.H. Sin, a contemporary poet known for his short, impactful lines and use of lowercase letters. I mimicked this style in his text version of the poem, by:

- Using brief, declarative statements.

- Avoiding punctuation.

- Focusing on emotional impact and hidden truths.

- Employing a tone of revelation about something often overlooked.

This original poem establishes a theme of the hidden, microscopic world of dust mites existing alongside our own. It uses vivid imagery and contrasts to highlight the disconnect between our world and theirs. Here it is:

The Secret Life of Dust Mites

Invisible to the naked eye

you thrive in the shadows

of our existence

Feeding on the fragments

of our discarded selves

you build empires in the dust

We are unaware

of the worlds we create

with every breath

In pillows and carpets
you wage microscopic wars
for territory unseen

Generations rise and fall
in the blink of an eye
as we slumber unaware

Next week, I’ll examine this poem, and highlight how to analyse this as if you were critiquing the poem, and commenting on how it’s written. This may help you with your own writing, especially if you are interested in writing in different styles within you chosen genre.

Tom