The room was packed full of people, and for such a small space, it was a surprise that so many people could fit in it. There was a vibe in the air—it felt like the whole room was in a buzz of excitement and pure bliss. Drinks were in the hands of almost every person, and everyone had someone to talk to, except for the shy first timers that kept to the back by themselves. The lights came on and a loud voice could be heard over the speakers, welcoming everyone to the Guelph Poetry Slam.
Guelph Spoken Word celebrated its seventh birthday on Nov. 21, 2015 in proper fashion, with balloons and party hats seen throughout the eBar on Quebec Street. The chatter of the crowd stopped as soon as the poets began to talk. It was replaced with respect and agreement as everyone shouted words of encouragement as the poets bared their souls for 80 people to see and judge.
“I come out because I am a really big fan. I love poetry. When it is performed, it’s a very unique art form and I really enjoy experiencing it. Every [poem] is really unique,” said Sam Himmad, “I think it’s incredible. It’s a very good thing, but also very important; it allows for a platform that’s very open for anybody to get on the stage and speak their piece. It’s very judgment free—whether you’re new, whether you like poetry, you can get on that stage and experience it and say whatever is on your mind and no one here will judge you.”
The poets competed against one another for a top prize of $100. The evening was full of yells and tough subjects were brought to light. You could hear the words leave the poets mouths and instantly absorb into the brains of the audience. After every line spoken, at least one member of the audience would have an emotional response so intense they couldn’t help but shout in agreement—as if the words were sinking into their thoughts and they were slowly losing control of their body. Fellow writers and the audience showed nothing but respect and encouragement for each other—even the audience members that were there for the first time.
“It’s an amazing environment,” said Ashley Nequest, a first time attendee, “They started the night off with a discussion about consent, to the point of asking [the] poets for consent before even offering an opinion on their poetry. They’re all so accepting and supportive of each other. They understand that they are exposing thoughts and feelings that are raw and painful in front of a room of strangers and they all receive nothing but love back.” The Guelph poetry slam takes place every third Saturday of the month at the eBar. For first time performers, there is also an open mic night every first Tuesday of the month at the Red Brick Café, where people can sign up and perform their poems in a warmer and cozier environment.