They shout, they whisper, they rhyme, they rap. They deliver declarations of love, political rants and stand-up comedy routines molded into free verse. And on April 10, they'll compete to determine who'll get to do it at the National Poetry Slam.

Ten slam poets from in and around San Antonio will perform three poems each in the 2007 San Antonio Slam Finals presented by PuroSlam.Ö The top four will head to Austin in August to compete against teams from around the world.

The finalists hoping to make the final cut include Amanda Flores, who was on San Antonio's 2006 team, and Chris the Haiku Bike Guy, who might deserve to make it on his name alone.

Five randomly selected audience members judge the performers on their poems and their delivery. Get there early if you want to be a judge. You don't have to be a huge poetry fan; in fact, sometimes it's better if you're not.

“It's the poet's job to connect with the audience no matter what the audience,” Puro8Slam slammasterÖ/coach Shaggy Gossard said.
 
The weekly PuroSlam event held Tuesdays at Sam's usually attracts more than 100 people, making it one of the most well-attended poetry slams in the state, Gossard said.

As usual, DJ Donnie Dee will provide the music, while Sam's Burger Joint will sell burgers and alcohol — we've heard they both go great with poetry.

Jessica Belasco | Contributor

WHAT: 2007 San Antonio Slam Finals
WHEN: Doors open at 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 10
WHERE: Sam's Burger Joint, !330 E. Grayson St.
HOW MUCH: $3
INFO: (210) 223-2830;Ö puroslam.com