POETRY BATTLE 1.

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Objective:
Students will work through three different types of poems, learn how to analyze them, and then rate the
overall poem based on a certain set of criteria. Based on the vote, each class will determine which poem to
model for the next assignment (assignment will be handed out next week). These analysis skills will come
in handy for later assignments!
 CONTESTANT #1 – SLAM POETRY

Strength – by Digital Poet

How can another’s opinion weaken me, For a moment,

Turn me to a victim of indecency, I couldn’t see clear,
Or make me feel less of a man, Or pioneer
Like I’ve been stripped of my dignity… A thought
That might
How can they be right, Persevere my conscience,
If I’m not wrong? Commandeer my welfare,
Moreover, The insecurities I hold dear,
How can I stay strong See I’m here,
When I’ve been tormented for so long, In this land of opportunity,
Suppressed, And if I’m weak,
By a substance’s song Then others are ruining me
In my own community
If life is a two-way street, Where I deserve immunity
Then why do I prolong From these,
On this One-sided
One-way Close-minded opinions,
To a dead end, Divided and misguided decisions,
No one to trust as a friend This is my decided dominion,
Who won’t condescend Don’t come in strutting
On me Like you’re the kingsman,
As I descend There’s a war being fought,
To my world of pretend, Deadly weapons the devil brought
A haven, Could have me distraught,
Where I refuse to mend But I’ve been brought up and taught
Yet still comprehend To go head on into battle,
The vibes others send… Strap on a saddle
Round up the cattle
Now if this went a little off track, Drop the baby rattle
I just wanna bring it back, Grab a paddle,
Cuz a little while ago, And row my own damn boat,
I felt under attack, Cuz others will always,
Belittled, Laugh and joke
Small Enclosed in glass and smoke
Like I could slip through a crack, No passion to cope,
I had to hold back Well I’m smashing that hope
When I caught a verbal smack, Of blasting more dope,
And I was hurt , Cuz it slashes my rope
These eyes fought tears And I crash and I croak,
As I recalled old fears So I share what I know
From past years, Cuz I care and I grow,
And I put it in words so Well now it’s less important
Beware of the flow… How another soul views me,
If I ignore your condescending demeanor,
No one else, Please excuse me,
Is gonna hold the joystick I’ve surrendered to a power,
And control me I will not let refuse me
Like a video game, And he’s pretty choosy…
Cuz they haven’t felt my pain
Or seen the flames So to those who
And acid rain Practice and teach ignorance,
When it came and changed To those who
The mainframe in my brain, Continue to preach indilligence,
Rearranged I’m sending the word
This individual That I will not lay down,
Who was once sane, I will stand my ground
To one trapped with no residual gain, When you come around
Let me simply explain, With that profound sound,
I was strapped to the tracks See this is MY world,
Of an oncoming train, I’m the king,
Still looking to place blame… And I cherish my crown…

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Voting – SLAM Poem

How do you rate this poem? (1 - low, 5 - high) 1 2 3 4 5

What did you enjoy about this poem?

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What did you not enjoy about this poem?

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What made this poem unique for you?

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CONTESTANT #2 – REVERSE POEM

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Voting – Reverse Poem
How do you rate this poem? (1 - low, 5 - high) 1 2 3 4 5

What did you enjoy about this poem?

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What did you not enjoy about this poem?

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What made this poem unique for you?

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CONTESTANT #3 – SIX WORD POEMS

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Voting – Reverse Poem

How do you rate this poem? (1 - low, 5 - high) 1 2 3 4 5

What did you enjoy about this poem?

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What did you not enjoy about this poem?

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What made this poem unique for you?

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