By Taylor Johnson (Contributor) – Email
Print Edition: March 28, 2012
A sonnet: 14 lines, strict rhyme scheme, iambic pentameter – and bathroom stall quotations? Well, after the busy turn out of the English Students Association (ESA)’s Words and Wine Poetry Reading and Slam on Wednesday, March 21, thanks to Ryan Petersen’s hilarious poem, I am sure all in attendance can now truly appreciate the graffiti sprawled on bathroom doors across campus. AfterMath’s wine specials and the ESA’s poetry contest resulted in a completely packed house; it was nearly impossible to grab a seat. The event drew in UFV’s artistic and expressive crowd who performed energetic, witty and heart touching poetry.
ESA president Niki Robinson described the event as “highly entertaining … we (the ESA) were happy to give these talented writers an opportunity to share their works” – and what talented works they were! From the serious religious poem “Crucifixion” by Paul Esau to “The Canterbury Tales”—Chaucer’s Middle English work performed as a rap by three students—these young artists captivated the audience.
The emcee, Ryan Petersen, kept the event lighthearted and fun by pulling contestants up on stage for spelling and literature trivia questions. Correct answers were rewarded with prizes, while incorrect answers were responded to by pelting rocket candies and chocolates at the contestants. Other than laughing cramps and giggle fits, no contestants were harmed by the flying sugary treats – with the exception of perhaps CIVL’s Aaron Levy, who quite staunchly took a misfired rocket to the face.
After the open mic period, the poetry slam contest took place. ESA members were given the difficult task of determining the winner and recipient of the Willow View Farms Market gift basket. Most audience members could connect to Sherylynn Niezen’s “New Lamp” poem, about a distraught girlfriend who demands a new lamp after anger towards her boyfriend causes her to throw it at the door, while Scott Sparrow’s slightly calmer “Conversation: Tea Steam” caused audience members to crave a fireplace and warm cup of tea.
It was indeed a tough competition. “Choosing a winner was very difficult! All the contenders were engaging,” Robinson said. “All of the poems were interesting. The judges based their decision on the level of audience applause each poet received and it was a tough call … We were proud to present the grand prize winner, Sherylynn Niezen.” Hearty congratulations goes to Niezen for her energetic winning performance, Josh Frede for his runner-up “Survivor’s Guide” and to Scott Sparrow for his second runner-up placement.
Beyond poetry and trivia, the Words and Wine event had another purpose: connecting students who share the same interests, as students were able to make new friends and discuss poetry over wine and appetizers. Robinson and the ESA were thrilled with the turnout and hope that the new ESA board (elections will be coming up in April) will “continue to host community building English-related events” and, as the ESA mission statement reads, to make “the university experience more fun by assembling students who share similar interests.” I am sure we students can look forward to more events such as Words and Wine by the new ESA board in the coming year.
Interested in joining ESA or running for the new board? Join their Facebook group to learn more.
