Lexie Tippet spent less than 20 seconds coming up with a poem to recite on Thursday in front of her peers at Jefferson State Community College in Clanton.

“I am more comfortable saying what is in my mind than writing it,” Tippet, 20, said. “When I write something down it tends to lose some of the meaning.”

Tippet said she felt comfortable to stand in front of people due to the encouraging environment of everyone in the room.

“We are all supportive of everyone who gets up,” Tippet said.

Tippet took home the $20 prize for impromptu poetry during the first Poetry Slam hosted by Sigma Kappa Delta English Honor Society.

The Poetry Slam started at 2:30 p.m. in the campus library and invited any student, faculty or staff member and members of the community to participate in reciting any style of poetry.

Thirteen students participated in the event, reciting different poems focusing on themes such as domestic violence, parents, school and life experiences.

Savannah Cleckler recited her poem “I See You,” which is based on her experiences in seeing people hiding behind themselves.

It was the first time for Cleckler to perform a poem in front of other individuals, but she is no stranger to writing poetry.

“I write all of the time,” Cleckler said. “I love writing about just different experiences. Sometimes it can be something really profound or sometimes it can be about something as simple as why I wish stores had more size 6 shoes for people with little feet. It really just depends on my mood.”

Alex Scott shared similar sentiments with Cleckler, saying he often spends time writing poetry on any type of subject.

“I love writing, and it is very enjoyable for me,” Scott said. “I often write about a lot of different things, but I do base most of my poems off of characters I have in books I have either written or plan to write.”

Clanton resident Ezra Zydan who wrote a book titled, “Tales of the Firewing: Guardians of Gaea” said he has always wanted to write, and often enjoys writing poetry.

“I enjoy writing about anything, but poetry is a lot easier for me because often it comes from the heart,” Zydan, 26, said.

Zydan recited his poem “No One Knows,” addressing the topic of domestic violence.

“Poetry has a way of touching people, and I enjoy that aspect of it,” Zydan said.

Contestants in the poetry slam were judged by three judges; Sharon Devaney-Lovinguth, Lesley Warren and Justin Barrett.

Zydan took home the first place of was $50, Scott won $20 for the second place prize and Cleckler took home $10 for the third place prize.

“This is the first time for us to do a poetry slam at this campus,” event organizer Ashley Kitchens said. “We hope to make it an ongoing event and will probably try to continue having it in the spring and in the fall.”

Kitchens said a poetry slam is a competitive event where individuals recite poetry and receive feedback from the audience.

“Typically in a poetry slam there is a lot more feedback from the audience about the poems they are hearing,” Kitchens said. “You can usually hear lots of clapping, or sometimes booing, but it is a very open environment. The students today were all really encouraging with one another.”