The Exorcist 8.8.01

This is the Exorcist reporting on last night's happenings at the Poetry Lounge. As usual, Shihan and Poetri hosted. They told us that they lost by a tenth of a point to Dallas. That had to hurt. Better to lose by a wide margin. Gimel told me that LA won the first three rounds. Hollywood came in 17th. A New Orleans rep said it was a humbling experience so I guess they didn't do too good either. She did an excellent poem last night. Started using the letter A a lot then B and so on in a very literate way. I thought X and Z would mess her up, but she handled it. Walking home later with Babu, he tripped me out doing a poem with every word beginning with B! Boston crew came to the Lounge and one of their team blew it up. Only line I remember, "Gave the moon a swig of her own moonshine till she couldn't walk a straight line." A few people stood up, clapping. I think that's the highest accolade a poet can receive short of throwing them roses - the way Charlie Parker had it. One black guy did an awesome poem about a house slave striking back at his repressive master. It was tight. "Wisdom" and "Knowledge" were two young rappers that were off the hook busting battle rhymes. Forgot his name but if I say "Woo Woo Baby" you'll know who I mean. His poetry is always like a conversation and always engaging. Three minutes, he went over. I didn't mind and didn't feel he should have to observe a time limit. He was that interesting. Poetri called Gimel and Shihan to the stage without explaining why. They got a surprise when Damon came out with two birthday cakes. Gimel's was a vegan cake as he is health conscious. Poetri had everyone singing the Stevie Wonder 'Happy Birthday'. The second half was more packed than the first. One poet did a poem about how overdosing on poetry got him writing it and he needs it like a junkie needs a fix. Spiffy was the last poet and did a good piece. BET covered it again. This has been a report from the Exorcist.