We had our Vancouver Poetry Slam Finals last night at the RIO Theatre.  We sold the place out so THANK YOU to all the people who support the Vancouver Poetry Slam with such enthusiasm and dedication.  You are fantastic.
(Thanks to all the poets who I had a chance to "compete" against and share poetic bread with...Spillious the Ridiculous One, Steve Miller, Lisa Slater, Duncan Shields, Nora, Chris and Johnny.  All the poets over the last 12 years or so since I decided to hit my first open mic at the Sugar Refinery.  For those who have gone on, Zeechilla, T-Paul, David Morgan, Shulamit Joffre and more...thanks for the chance to read with you or for you...in front of just ourselves or a packed room full of people.
Thanks to Sean, Lisa and Angus who all work so hard to keep this slam thing breathing in all its capacities.  Thanks to Sue McIntyre who selflessly works behind the scenes coordinating all the volunteers.  And thanks to ALL the volunteers who step up each week to help us put on a show.)
By night's end I was fortunate enough to come out on top and become the 2009 Vancouver Poetry Slam Grand Slam Champion.  What that means is I finished first last night but I am also part of a wonderful new Van Slam Poetry Slam Team.  The others on the team include Chris Gilpin, Nora Smithhisler and Johnny Macrae along with our alternate, Steve Miller.  I think it's going to be fun working with them all summer long as we get ready for NPS.
I just wanted to thank everyone who has ever said a kind word to me about what I do because I really do appreciate it even if I am horrible at accepting compliments.  I wanted to thank all those who think what I do is crap because I keep trying harder becaues of you as well.
I try not to take any of this for granted.  Considering how shy I was as a kid I find it quite remarkable that I am able to get up in front of so many wild, weird and wonderful people so often and manage to move them with my words and performance in some fashion.  Whether it's irate tampon throwing or a standing ovation it's quite unbelievable.
Like Steve Earle, "I ain't ever satisfied" and so while I will cherish this accomplishment and the well wishes it has received I know I am not done.  There are more poems to write, more performances to give more people to piss off and inspire.  I don't believe in retirment.  I'm going to go until I'm dead.
I just wanted to stop by and say thank you.