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Printer-Friendly ModeSins holds annual Poetry Slam
February 6, 2006 —
If it weren't for graduation, Kris Peterson would be talking three-peat.
That's because the soon-to-be graduating philosophy major won his second consecutive Cardinal Sins Poetry Slam on Thursday, Jan. 26.
"I have been writing poetry since grade school, but I have been doing spoken word for about one year," said Peterson, who was awarded $100 for first place.
Peterson, who has had his work published in Sins, SVSU's student literary magazine, was excited to have the opportunity to present his work to an audience.
"It is really important for artists to take their work and present it," he said. "It changes the art to give it to an audience."
Around 60 people were at the Slam, held in the Cardinal Cage. The night began with an open mic for newcomers and veteran artists to present their material without any pressure.
To break the ice, Sins staff member Doug McGaw read three of his poems: "A Scenic's Road to Life," "Saturday Night," and "Ode to the Futureless."
A few topics that highlighted the night were both gloomy and comical. Artists spoke of hanging out on a "Saturday Night," having an autopsy of a father, Chuck Norris, voluptuous women, and the emergency room.
The Master of Ceremonies was Mathew Easterwood, Sins co-editor-in-chief, who gave the rules about the Poetry Slam Competition.
The rules stated that the contestants could only read one poem that was no longer than three minutes, that every ten seconds over the time limit would result in a one-point deduction, and the work presented must be original.
The artists were judged on content, presentation and originality. Each presented their material in their own unique way. From quiet voices to explosive energy, calm tones to rap-like presentations, there were a variety of poetry was offered.
In addition to Peterson's $100 prize, the second-place winner, Tacarra Ford, received $50, while the third place won $20. Peterson also will have his piece, "Quantum Bunny," published in Sins this semester.
Peterson's poem put together the topic of relationships and quantum.
"'Quantum Bunny' is a mix of post-modern theory, quantum theory, and just a good old relationship poem," Peterson explained.
It was not a shock to the other contestants that Peterson would win the slam this year. He is known for his deep thoughts, energetic performances and pure originality.
"When I saw Kris Peterson, I said 'game over'," contestant Mark Kraemer said.
The 60 people that showed up were not quite the 150 that came to last semester's Slam, but Sins Editor-in-Chief Amanda Conner was still pleased with the event.
"(The number of people) was expected to be less in the winter, but it was nice and intimate and we had a good time," Conner said.
Conner said they are hoping to have fresh talents in the future.
"A lot of people who were in it before were in it again this year," she said. "We really want more people to get involved."
There is more to come from Cardinal Sins this semester.
The deadline for submissions for this semester's issue is tonight at 8:30 p.m. Students wishing to submit must take their work to Evening Services, SE 201.
There is a limit of three poems, two flash fiction, two short fiction pieces and five artwork/photography pieces per person. The first place winner in each category will receive $100 and recognition in the Winter 2006 publication.
Any questions should be directed to Conner at arconner@svsu.edu.