There’s something about slam poetry – or poetry in general, really – that inspires me.  It takes the same structure as a good comic performing at a hot night club, weaving a story – but poets go so much deeper. Instead of just the cheap laugh, poets make you laugh, make you cry, and will surprise you in ways that you never thought possible.

One of my favorite slam poets is a guy who goes by Rives.  He’s thin and bald(ing), and has skin so white alabaster is the first word that comes to mind…but he can captivate an audience. He’s performed for Def Jam and even the TED conference a few times, and I thought I’d share a few of his videos here.

The first one is performed at TED and is based on the hypothetical that Rives controlled the internet. It’s a wild ride.

Favorite line:

Some days I’m as shallow as a baking pan, but I still spread for miles in all directions

The next video is about Rives teaching at a high school for the deaf (yes, he’s actually fluent in sign language as well as Greek and Latin).

Favorite line:

Last night, I dreamt that I was little again

and I could hear back then

but the silence

in my house

was deafening.

The last video I’ll show you is him detailing a love story – its hilarious and breathtaking at the same time.

Favorite line:

Maybe, I’m saying maybe, I put on your slippers which were as comfortable as bunnies – because they were bunnies!

Do you have a favorite poet? Poem?