With almost every seat full, awaiting the slam poet most recognizable for “OCD,” a poem that went viral in 2013 and is now considered one of the most- viewed videos on YouTube. The audience’s energy was lively and excited to hear the National Poetry Slam Champion, Neil Hilborn. On Oct. 15 at 7:30 p.m., Hilborn performed in Wygal Hall.
He was introduced to poetry at a young age and was encouraged by his mother to write poetry throughout his life. He was then inspired by a friend in college to start performing slam poetry at age 19.
“Mom always read poems as a kid, Shakespeare sonnets before bed,” said Hilborn.
Each of Hilborn’s poems had a unique story for the audience of how each performed poem was created, some stories Hilborn explained included his reasons for loving poetry. Others included different reasons as to how the audience could relate to his poems.
When asked about his favorite work thus far he replied with “'The Future,’ I close all of my shows with it, it’s just so much fun,” said Hilborn.
“The Future” is a poem about moving forward and growing through life while accepting one’s mistakes, but it opens one’s eyes to understand how to move on from an unexpected, twisted chapter in one’s life. Also just as many of the other poems, there were several references to mental disabilities.
For many people in the audience, especially young adults, it is important to see an artist who has struggled with mental disabilities but still rises above. In one poem it was acknowledged that not everyone is as lucky as he is.
Many people wouldn’t realize that not only does one with mental disabilities need a creative outlet, but also the support from friends and family. Multiple times Hilborn mentioned how important it is to surround oneself with support.
Caleb Rose said, “I started watching YouTube videos, and came across Neil Hilborn. If he can keep going and thrive, (then) I can keep going; my diagnosis won’t stop me.”
Other poems such as “OCD” created a loud response from the audience. Many members could share the struggles of this particular mental disability.
“Love is not a mistake,” Hilborn said in his poem as he talked about how not everyone can understand or accept someone who has obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Freshman Haily Joseph said about her favorite poem, "OCD": "I felt like it was the most put together and I could relate.”
Throughout his performance, Hilborn was constantly interacting with the crowd, and allowing the crowd time to give reactions to his comments. The crowd laughed with some of the poems and comments, other times the crowd was silent as the poem washed over the room. More than just stories were given, there were also jokes made for the crowd’s entertainment throughout the night and to express some of Hilborn’s personality outside of his impactful works.
One lesson Hilborn taught the audience, was even when things go wrong or get tough, keep moving forward, that life will always get better.
Neil Hilborn made the audience both laugh and tear up with his poems Saturday night in Wygal.
Neil Hilborn made the audience both laugh and tear up with his poems Saturday night in Wygal.
Neil Hilborn made the audience both laugh and tear up with his poems Saturday night in Wygal.
