“I love bacon!” exclaimed Post Midnight, a spoken word artist and slam poet.

So began the Open Mic Poetry Slam, sponsored by the 2007 Week of Writing, on Wednesday, May 16. Over 100 students crowded into the Creese Student Center for the event, hosted by Post Midnight.

With a deep and commanding voice, Post Midnight entertained the entire lobby with expertly crafted poetry that was both hilarious and provocative, capturing the attention of students, teachers and passers-by. To raise the enthusiasm of the crowd, he introduced what he has termed “rock star love,” or clapping wildly for performers brave enough to share their work.

The event, which ran from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., featured other spoken word artists, actors, and students who wished to perform their own work, whether poetry or music. Dr. Maurice Henderson, Producing Artistic Director of the National Black Arts Spoken Word Tour, and John Lumia, an actor, also performed two very moving pieces.

Other works of Post Midnight included his own personal anti-Hallmark greeting card for exes, which read on the outside, “To the one to whom I gave my all,” and on the inside: “You’re triflin’. Gimme my shit back.”

When the hour ended, the horde of students sitting in chairs, on the floor in a wide circle, and on the steps to the entrance of the Behrakis Grand Hall lingered, talking with Post Midnight, the other performers, and each other.

Post Midnight also hosts Late Night Series (every Thursday night in the Creese Lobby from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.), a free open mic featuring poetry, spoken word, music, stand-up comedy and drama.