“How Falling in Love is like Owning a Dog” by Taylor Mali (2002)

Written and performed in 2002, “How Falling in Love is Like Owning a Dog” is part of Mali’s first full-length collection, What Learning Leaves. The poem explores and celebrates love, while also exploring deeper themes concerning relationships. To better understand Mali’s voice and subjects as a poet, reading and analyzing this poem is essential.

“Totally like whatever, you know?” by Taylor Mali (2002)

Also part of his first collection, “Totally like whatever, you know?” is a spoken word slam poem written in the voice and vernacular of popular speech. Mali pinpoints today’s generation as being without conviction, primarily through their speech (for example, relying too heavily on words like “like”). The poem argues that without declarative speech, how can this generation ever question authority?

“Dear Future Generations: Sorry” by Prince Ea (2015)

This spoken word piece, written and performed by Prince Ea, is a strong slam poem to read alongside “What Teachers Make.” Both pieces use passion, rhythm, and rhyme to debate present day political and social issues.