The Unitarian Congregation of Taos

Special Events

Poetry Slam Showcase. April 29th, 2012.

We are always hearing from our elder statesmen and concerned citizenry about how bad the world will be that we leave to our children and grandchildren. But we don't take the time to listen to these young people, themselves, describe the world we have created for them. If you ever attended a Poetry Slam featuring the talents of the young voices of Taos you would get an earful. And that is why the Unitarian Congregation of Taos wants to encourage you to come to UCOT's second annual The Poet as Priest Fifth Sunday event, April 29 at 11 AM.

We want to showcase the young local talent that have carved quite a name for themselves. The Taos High School team won last year's state poetry slam as they have three out of the last four years, and nine times since 1997. And you still haven't heard them?

Helena Bassett describes her experience as Taos High's varsity slam leader this year as a revelation. "They are an amazing team. Because Mr. Hahn gives so freely of himself, I now describe myself as a poet, and not just somebody who tries to write. I am comfortable with myself."

This is Kaitlin Gonzales' first year on the poetry slam team. "I am learning more about how I think as a person." When she looks back on what she has written down Kaitlin says to herself, "Okay, now I see what I was thinking. I know myself so much better."

Sunday's presentation will also allow UCOT to honor our local educators, the good ones, and there are more of those than people are giving credit for. You only need to look at the results of competitions to admire what the Taos High School Varsity Poetry Slammers have achieved since coming under the direction of Francis Hahn, a local teacher who, his students will tell you, gives his passion and his talent to those he touches. And UCOT knows other Taos teachers who give so freely of their time, family time included, to go out there and make Taos a better place to live.

It is easy to demonize the teaching profession in these worst of times. In the ugly face of all that, Taos has true public servants who make the best of times with the little they are given in return. With little or no raises for the last four years, this year teachers actually gave up 4.5 percent of their salaries in order to save as many colleagues as they could from losing their jobs. It makes you wonder how and why those local teachers can give so much when given so little. Therefore, at the very least they deserve an expression of our gratitude.

Because good teachers need our support to keep giving, UCOT is donating a $180 stipend to the Taos High School Poetry Slam club in honor of their teacher and advisor, Francis Hahn. He donates hundreds of unpaid hours to fundraisers and competitions nights and weekends, including events out of town so his students can find their voice. It is just a little - way too little, toward their $9,000 goal to make the trip to the National Poetry Slam in Berkeley this year. So, come to The Poet as Priest or find another way to contribute to their goal.

While the term "Poetry Slam" might sound too much like something that takes place in a mosh pit to older folks, really it is a highly polished form of street theater, with long, elaborate soliloquies. You will marvel at how each slammer has memorized a complicated monologue, then found the artistic talent and informed soul to make the words come alive in your imagination. So you marvel too at the presentation, performed ... not simply recited. If you think young people today can't speak from the heart with insight and eloquence about the world we have created for them, then you need to come and give a listen.

Six to eight of the best slammers Taos High School has to offer will be doing their thing at the First Ranchos De Taos Presbyterian Church opposite the post office on the south end of town. Proceeds from passing the basket as well as a modest stipend from UCOT honoring the mentorship of Francis Hahn will go toward the costs of sending the Taos Poetry Slam students to the annual competition in New York City.

Come...Sunday, April 29, at 11...they will rock you.