The University of Northern Iowa English Club hosted its Spring Semester Poetry Slam Tuesday in Bartlett 1017. 

“If you don’t have anything nice to say then don’t say it at all,” English Club president Timoteo Garcia, senior philosophy major said. “What’s that saying? That’s like saying if the truth isn’t comfortable then it doesn’t matter at all… Tonight we want you to tell us how you really feel.”

Judges were picked from the audience, from both willing and unwilling volunteers.

 Garcia said he wanted judges that had no experience with poetry. This would allow the judges to look at the performances on an entertainment level.

 Eight poets competed in four rounds for Amazon gift cards of $50, $25 and $10 prizes. 

“I think it’s going to be fun or funny or entertaining,” said Allison Albright, junior English major and judge for the Slam. “I think I’ll probably learn something.”

Poetry ranged in topics from depression, feminism and the nature of poetry, to either literal or figurative “sh**” as written by Poetry Slam first place winner, Katie Grassi, senior English major, in her poem “Sh** Scares Me.”

“It was my first time performing outside of class,” Grassi said, “It was really invigorating.”

Other participants included third place winner, Sean Hanlin, senior psychology major.

“I’m glad I didn’t listen to the people who told me to hold back and started with my strongest piece,” said Hanlin.

Of the slam itself, Garcia said that this year’s was really entertaining. 

“It was pretty satisfying. The English Club holds events like this and others. Later, we’re going to the AWP Conference in April,” Garcia said. 

The next English Club meeting will be at The Other Place on College Street March 3 at 7 p.m.