It's the art form where censorship is sin and the rulebook reads "swearwords and vulgarity are acceptable" - and it's all part of the appeal for a group of high school girls set to compete in Northland's first poetry slam.
"We've [been taught] not to apologise for our work," said Whangarei Girls' High School poet Genie Blasingame. Fellow student Jorja Heta says "youth is actually an advantage" in an art form known for dealing with the sensitive and controversial, political and personal.
"We have a fresh perspective on things that adults might overlook," Jorja said.
The art of slam poetry is reliant on talented writers who can double as compelling performers. Next week, when Whangarei holds its first poetry slam to celebrate National Poetry Day, a group of 11 students from WGHS will compete in the all-ages event.
The key ingredients will be four minutes, a live audience and a panel of judges, with the first two rounds judged by the crowd, a similar form used at slam poetry events worldwide.