Slam Those WordsBy

Josh Trask

Have you ever been interested in harnessing the power of the English language? Ever feel like you wanted to express yourself in a different way? Well then look no further, Steven Dawson of the University of Colorado Denver has you covered with his brilliant metaphors and transformational ideologies.

Mr. Dawson, age 20, has mastered the art of language through poetry, slam poetry to be precise. What is “slam poetry” you might ask? It is a form of poetry that is spoken in a live setting such as on open mic night at venues like The Mercury Cafe and Cafe Nuvo. There are no rules on subject, structure, or word choice. It is an expression of yourself. He has done many gigs across Colorado as part of a slam poetry team, and more recently, as an individual.

His team, known as The Mercury Cafe Slam Team, has even been going across the country, living their dreams of speaking their truths to people of all

races, genders, and perspectives of life. Steven, however, did not want to make this journey with them, but rather stay in Colorado and finish his double major in Communications and Creative Writing. Because of this, he has taken on slam by himself, for himself.

“I do this for many reasons,” says Dawson, “I am able to release my frustrations, stresses, and anxieties through slam. It is very freeing for me.” He has invented some very interesting and creative lyrics in his seven years of writing. His personal favorite line at this time is, “I know the alphabet is the blood that fills these veins. Cut me and I bleed scripture.”

If you or anyone you know has an interest in spoken-word poetry and would like to try it out sometime, come on down to the UCD campus and learn straight from the man himself. He will slam you with helpful tips and information.