Teaching Poetry

I wish they taught poetry in high school

I know, that sounds like a ridiculous rant
You can't say they don't teach poetry in high school
We had an entire two weeks in Sophomore English to cover Robert Frost, Shakespeare, and...
Robert Frost

But I wish they taught poetry
So that my generation could learn to feel it
Learn to love it

Robert Frost has earned his place in America's grace but when it's time to teach poetry
It can't come from pages in the classroom cages
It should be put where poetry belongs
On stage.

You want your kids to be engaged?
Show them a slam poet with some rage.

Most kids dream of being rock stars when they grow up
Not me, when I was a kid I dreamt of cutting myself up
I had so much inside of me I was just dying to show the world

Sometimes, there just isn't enough power in the written word
Someone has to teach our children how to be heard

Is it any wonder our kids can't come up with cooler role models than
Britney, Lindsey, Eminem,
Or a man so certain of his own self-worth he named himself 50 Cent?

Parents just shake their heads and say 'aw shucks' when their kids' role models
Turn out to be a sham
Wake up parents!
Take your kids to a poetry slam!

Strong words mean nothing if spoken with a weak voice
Performance poetry teaches you
To say something you believe with a voice so powerful,
People might actually think your beliefs matter to you!

I have heard shitty high school poetry that is harder and more raw
Than anything the most successful rock stars have ever played.

Rock stars, quit hiding behind your reps, your clothes, your agents
Put your instruments down
Quit clowning around, trying to find the latest sound

Step to the stage with nothing but your voice between you and your audience
And say something you believe

Most kids dream of being rock stars when they grow up.
I never knew what I wanted to be
No one had ever taught me it was a possibility

I want to be a mother fucking slam poet when I grow up!