Fun time tonight at the Manchester NH slam, where truthbealiar did a fine feature and the crowd is enthusiastic and a lot of fun.

Saw a young poet named Lily who at 15 is MINDBLOWINGLY good by any standards you can name. Keep an eye out for this one. Reminds me of the impact I felt seeing people like Corinna Bain and Alixa Garcia for the first time when they were in their early teens, although her style is completely different and so “un-slammy” that it was striking. Old-soul intelligent with a maturity and an eye for the way that little sensory details can speak universal truths. Really, really amazing work.

Hearing her made me think of too many people who have huge reputations in slam, who started out strong and unique but who have succumbed to the Beast, who bring a certain sameness of style that is all the rage and gets acclaimed for its Specialness but which is anything but, at least to me. If this girl ever starts slamming, I’ll be praying for her to maintain her own voice in spite of the pressure cooker that is the Slam.

No, I’m not sharing the list.