Here’s a lovely frame for the language lovers amongst us.
The Basics
The host or an assigned player facilitates a groovy poetry jam in which a series of guest improvisers perform original (need I say, improvised) poems and works of art. Each piece can be inspired by one unifying suggestion that spans the whole set, or use a unique ask-for or contextualizing pitch from the facilitator (or a random title drawn from a hat, or image projected onto a screen, or a piece of music, or start from nothing more than the poet’s first impetus…) If you’re so inclined, each poetic offering can culminate in a rousing round of finger snaps or similar. (Some find this conceit less joyful than others.)
Example
Suitably artistic lighting and cool music set the stage as Player A assumes the role of the jam host (perhaps providing a piece of their own later in the event).
Player A: “Welcome cool cats and dogs to our evening of electric emotions and sensuous stories…”
The audience is encouraged to snap their fingers, or clap, or howl like dogs…
Player A: “And here’s our first fearless phonetic freedom fighter with a little piece inspired by… earthworms.”
Player B takes the stage as Player A encourages a warm welcome.
Player B:
“Beneath our feet
Releasing heat
With motions so discreet, they remain unheard
Unheeded
Unheralded
Save for the hungry bird
Whose greed would have it feed on your soul
Swallow you whole
As you wriggle, writhe, and roll,
Without a thought or care
For all you’ve done without a word
Of thanks…”
The Focus
Enjoy the ability to savor the poetry – in whatever form it may take – and to create stories and material within this unique dynamic.
Traps and Tips
1.) Play with style. This is such a gentle conceit that can easily be retooled to host all manner of artistic musings, so be sure to define poetry loosely and inclusively. Much like the vaguely similar musical frame In the Studio (read about it here), you shouldn’t feel guilty pitching and playing to strength, perhaps placing any “ringer” in your ensemble in the final slot. Slam poetry, jazzy freestyling with musical underscoring, Shakespearean sonnets, pithy haiku poems, and the like can all have a place. And also like In the Studio, this is similarly a great device for pushing yourself and each other into trying styles and techniques that you don’t know you can do yet. Throwing in a song can also work, although too much music might lead you into Forgotten Songs territory, which is fine but really another handle altogether.
2.) Play with content. Regardless of your chosen form, lean into the typically untapped potentials of heightened language. If your words are too causal or every day, there may be little poetry ultimately in your corner! Play with rhythm, repetition, and rhyme. While every poem might not feature each of these ingredients in equal measure, most unapologetically play with the musicality of the word. Throw in some alliteration, assonance, and parallelism while you’re at it to add even more challenge and finesse. Poetry can also explore tough subject material from a helpful distance, so don’t be afraid to consider complicated themes with equally complicated language. While it certainly can be fun to throw a Dr. Seuss ditty into the mix, every poem needn’t become a jingle, and it’s nice to offer your audience a rollercoaster of offerings with surprising tonal twists and turns.
3.) Play with character. If poetry isn’t your “bag” (and even if it is), don’t underestimate the gift of character. Whether you’re performing as a thinly veiled version of yourself or leaning into a persona that is a bit more of a stretch, Poet’s Corner thrives equally on the what (or content) as the how (or performance style) and who (who). As always, a strong and smart point of view will guide you if and when the poetry escapes through your fingertips. At the same time, be wary of sliding into problematic stereotypes, especially if you’re simultaneously claiming a performance mode that hasn’t historically been the domain of your ancestors and kin. If you are straying far afield – as the game invites – I’d recommend clearly basing your character in yourself and exaggerating an emotional quality or motivation rather than potentially tastelessly approximating the perceived speech qualities or physical traits of an “other.” Or, in other words…
4.) Play with integrity. While this game invites a parodic approach that examines and mirrors poetic tropes and practices, a little earnest love and effort will go a long way. Celebrate the styles you bring to the stage; seek to elevate your own efforts as you craft your literary homage; risk leaning into the great emotional storehouse that is the spoken word. Don’t lose sight of the fun – some able target rhyming or punny word play will serve when applied judiciously. But be careful of viewing the game as no more than these delightful gimmicks. Poetry taps into deeper truths, both lightly comedic and deeply vulnerable. Allow your audience the gift of experiencing this whole gamut of emotions.
In performance
I hadn’t played this game for a while and was reminded of it in 2024 during a gig in Pittsburgh. There, the players all riffed on the suggestion “cactus,” and my contribution consisted of a song with Ryan Goodwin on the keys. We crafted a breakup ballad, likening the dead relationship to a prickly cactus. It ended with a lyric bemoaning how the protagonist was still drawn to the object of their affection even if the attraction always ended with them being hurt and made to bleed. There were certainly some chuckles along the way, but a more sincere tone pervaded that really served the game and audience. That experience has made me want to explore this frame even more.
Cheers, David Charles.
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Photo Credit: Tony Firriolo
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