“Poetry is the one place where people can speak their original human mind. It is the outlet for people to say in public what is known in private.”
The words of Allen Ginsberg rang true Wednesday night, as Carolina Productions held its Poetry Slam Competition. The show, hosted by poet and writer Neil Hilborn, featured the very personal and compelling spoken word poetry of 10 USC competitors.
Hilborn, is best known for his viral spoken word hit “OCD,” but he has also participated in various slams and competitions across the nation.
His constant traveling did nothing to decrease his spirit throughout the show. Hilborn opened the competition with two of his original poems, and took the time to talk about his personal life and troubles with bipolar disorder.
“I remember that I started having really bad mood swings, so I went to a psychiatrist and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder,” he said. “For a while I blamed myself, I used to get so mad. When I finally forgave myself, it felt so good.”
Hilborn’s openness was matched by the performers, who talked about intensely personal issues: relationships, self-image, depression and sexuality. The competition required applications and auditions, meaning that every act had to be polished and effective.
It’s not every poetry show that’s structured like American Idol, but there’s a reason that Hilborn referred to it as the “sport of poetry.” The competition angle added to the excitement of the crowd, buoyed by Hilborn’s energetic hosting.
“It’s definitely for the entertainment of the students, but also to be able to let our students perform and show everyone else on campus their talents,” said Carolina Productions member Tori Creekmore.
Grace Fennell took third with “Ode to Dick Pics,” an examination of the male image. Connor Brunson came in second with a reflection on a friend lost to depression. First place went to Mick Johnson, for his piece that had him venting frustrations at his his girlfriend Sally, and then finally turning to self-examination — put together, it tackled the pain of a relationship that just didn’t work.
It was a vulnerable performance, and it’s that same vulnerability that makes spoken word poetry so powerful. The Poetry Slam Competition proved, 10 times over, the catharsis that comes with an individual nakedly sharing their story.
