Six Portland State poets faced off in the third annual Verbal Graffiti slam poetry contest in the Park Blocks yesterday.
The event, sponsored by the Vanguard and the Literary Arts Council, offered cash prizes of $500 for first place, $350 for second and $200 for third. Contestants were each given two three-minute chances to belt out their verses in front of a five-member panel of judges.
Some contestants came with pre-written compositions, while contestant Burleigh Hendrikson, a.k.a. Shirtless Man, preferred to improvise on the spot.
The winners were Sean Hill, first place; Nate Lewellen, second place; and Maddy Enos, third place.
