"New Shit Slam" Poem 2 of 3

Second of three poems in three weeks for the "New Shit" Slam. Today I met slam poet El Jones and she says she never spends more than 2-6 hours on a poem. I tried to go with less control in these three pieces. Although to be far this poem was seeded over the summer after a Netflix documentary binge. This one could be expanded.

"New Shit" Slam Poem 1 of 3

We're having a "New Shit"slam on campus the third Friday. We need three new poems. This one is based on a prompt "what is poetry to you?" It's rough and I think it owes too much of a debt rhythmically to Andrea Gibson. I need three poems in three weeks, so I submit "Poetry."

Poetry is the rhythm of the ocean,
The pitch of bird song,
The warmth of yellow,
The coldness of blue;
That which cannot be qualified. 

It is the transparency of your tears, 
The way the light strikes through
These channels of rain on the
Banks of your cheeks
And makes the water and salt
Shine.

They say you cry too freely
But your teardrop rivers always reach the sea.
They swell with rain; sometimes from joyful summer storms sometimes hurricanes. 
Poetry is the sound of the current in that emo/ocean
In the shell on top of your dresser drawer
From that day at the shore. 

Yes, I know you kept it the way you know I keep ever receipt from our dates, every shred of paper from our gifts because I am an accountant. I want an account of our shared life together told in split orders of pasta and the newsprint wrapping that held our humble gifts. 

The first anniversary is paper and I'm saving all of this to make you paper lanterns. Because you illuminate the dark. 
And in the light reflected off your skin
 

Is poetry.