Slam poem

Hey! Write a slam poem... here are five easy steps.

from various sites online... I'm not sure the author of the following advice:

SLAM poetry is all about voicing problems and offering hope. Find a subject about which you are passionate, tell a story that lights your fires, force us, by the end, to reflect.

The three main elements of a good SLAM poem are:

1. Rhythm—Even though SLAM poetry is written in free verse (no rules), it has a definite driving rhythm, but not a regular rhythm like in limericks. The rhythm is more closely related to the free verse rhythm that keeps the poem moving from one line to the next.

2. Repetition—SLAM poetry uses repetition like a wheel uses a hub and all the spokes link in the hub. SLAM poets return to the same word or phrase multiple times with in the poem to keep the reader returning time and again to the central focus.

3. Rhyme—While there is not a specific rhyme scheme, like in a limerick, the rhyme in SLAM poetry is used to direct the readers ear toward a particular idea or theme. The entire poem is never rhyming. Rhyme is used in delicate balance with rhythm and repetition as a tool for the poet.