In today's culture, slam poetry and spoken word have become increasingly popular. Every year there are hundreds of competitions, showcases, and slams held in which people of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, races, and social statuses can come together to share their own personal pieces. Slam poetry uses metaphors, analogies, comparisons and strong diction to convey a meaningful and thought-provoking message to the audience for lasting impact.

Below are my top six favorite, most meaningful spoken poems!

1. "Say No" Olivia Gatwood and Megan Falley @ NPS 2014

"They will curse the day you learned any other words but 'no' and 'sorry'"

2. "Shrinking Women" Lily Myers @ CUPSI 2013

"I asked five questions in genetics today and they all started with 'sorry'"

3. "Ten Responses to the Phrase 'Man Up'" Gaunte

"You cannot arm wrestle yourself out of clinical depression"

4. "Somewhere In America" Los Angeles Team @ BNV 2014

"We are taught that just because something happens, doesn't mean we are suppose to talk about it"

5. "When the Fat Girl Gets Skinny" Blythe Baird @ NPS 2015

"I say 'I am sick', they say 'no, you're an inspiration'. How could I not fall in love with my illness?"

6. "21" Patrick Roche @ CUPSI 2014

"Like if he could make everything else blurry, maybe somehow I'd look straight."