Spoken Word Assignment

Here is the link to a spoken word piece titled "Coded Language" by Saul Williams

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzY2-GRDiPM

why does the piece work?how does it work?what's to admire?what's no so good?how is it a 'poem' as well as a performance?

This is a great piece of performance poetry for several reasons. One thing that makes this such a great poemto perform is the fact that it is so rhythmic. The artist uses several techniques to add to the musicality of the poem. Rhyme, both internal and slant, are used throughout the piece. Also, Williams heavily relies on repetition to make this piece more musical. The rhythm and music in this piece make it a strong example of performance poetry.

Williams is also successful because he is able to connect with his audience. He repeats the word "We" at the beginning of many sentences throughout the piece. This helps him to connect with the audience and draw them in. The idea of shared experience and identity is used to help Williams create a relationship with the audience. The list of names that he recites is also a powerful way to capitalize on the collective knowledge and understanding of the audience.

The interaction and energy that Williams creates when speaking to an audience, as well and the delivery of the piece make it a performance poem. Without the cheering and interaction the audience provides, the piece would not have as much energy and would not be as effective. Also, the piece is one to be performed because it ends with such a strong call to "flip the conscienceness of the entire world." The call to action at the end shows that this piece is not one to be left in a drawer. This is a piece that is meant to be shared. These are some of the things that make Williams' piece so successful.

Performance Poetry Lesson Plan:
Objectives:
1. Students will write a poem about themselves as a way to connect with classmates
2. Students will perform a poem to the class, focusing on rhythm and musicality.
Directions:
1. Students will warm up by brainstorming adjectives that describe themselves. Students will mingle around the room, sharing their adjectives with classmates.
2. Students will use these adjectives, and other ideas to write a bio-poem. Students should try to write a poem that focuses on being musical, so look to add rhyme, rhythm, repetition, etc.
3. Students will rehearse their poem, trying different styles, speeds and places to put emphasis in their poem.
4. Students will share their poem with classmates at a poetry slam.

Bio-poems
Line 1 Your first name only
Line 2 4 traits that describe you
Line 3 Sibling of...(or son/daughter of)
Line 4 Lover of...(three people or ideas)
Line 5 Who feels...(three items)
Line 6 Who needs...(three items)
Line 7 Who gives...(three items)
Line 8 Who fears...(three items)
Line 9 Who would like to see...(three items)
Line 10 Resident of (your city, street or state)
Line 11 Your last name only.

Example:
Kaitlan
Petite, bubbly, happy and energetic.
Daughter of Greg and Missy
Lover of gymnastics, roses and cheerleading.
Who feels happiness with friends, loneliness at night, and joy at ball games.
Who needs friends, love and acceptance.
Who gives friendship, love and encouragement.
Who fears pain, death and losing friends.
Who would like to see the world, the future and neverending joy.
Resident of Stigler, Oklahoma
Kasbaum.

My poem for the week:
The Lone Ranger
It piles up.
Stacks and stacks surround me until there is no air.
There is no air to breathe or space to move.
My chest is tight under the weight of my mile long to-do list.
No one hears my cries for help through the rubble
Of grading and planning and advocating and intervening and disciplining and recommending and coaching and mothering and caring and loving.
Because that is what we are told to do.
Because we love them.
So I grade and plan and advocate and discipline and recommend and coach and mother and care and love.
And I go home and the end of the night
Through the half-lit hallways
And I ask myself - Am I the only one here?
Am I really the Lone Ranger?
Or does it just feel that way?