Scream Slam showcases original work

Poetry allows a writer to express feelings that can sometimes be muted in day-to-day life. Around 15 Chadron State poets came together for an open mic session Monday evening in the Mari Sandoz Center. 

Julissa Gomez, 21, junior of Alliance, recited an original piece named “You Know Me.” According to Gomez, the piece is about crossing a burning bridge into a land of peace, understanding and knowing. 

Gomez is still working on finding meaning through poetry and continuing to search for who she is and where her situation places her in the eye of herself and men, the women she wishes to reach, and who she aspires to become. 

“This piece to me was a part of a journey of finding who I was,” Gomez said. “It was a restoration of the trails he burned upon my skin. It was the finding of the power he took. This piece was all a part of the understanding that you’re never the issue, no matter how much you tell yourself through watered down mascara and smeared lipstick. This piece was more about what you are capable of achieving after someone comes and dims your world. You have the ability to find your power, your light and your voice.” 

Alongside the slam poetry night, there was a costume contest. With only a couple participants, Abigail Swanson, 21, senior of Grand Island, won the contest. Dressed as a character named “Delenn” from the show “Babylon 5.” 

“I enjoy watching the show, and Delenn is my favorite character,” Swanson said. She received a Twix candy bar, and a wand for her excellent costume.