Poetry Suggestions Please!

[lemonade93]

Hi everyone,

I'm going to participate in a high school contest where I read poetry (either a single poem or a set of poems all relating to the same topic) for about 9.5 minutes (10 minutes with about a 30 sec introduction).

I was wondering if you have any suggestions as to what piece(s) I should choose. From what I've heard the best pieces either make the judges laugh or cry.

Thanks

P.S. If the poem is too long I can always cut some parts out.

EDIT: I forgot to mention that the poem(s) must be published. Also please provide a brief explanation about the piece(s).

[mono]

Hello, lemonade93, welcome to the forum.
Perhaps this sounds like the dramatist in me coming out, but a poetry reading relies both upon the literary piece itself, and the recitation, possibly acting out, if you feel brave enough. Seeing 'Song of Myself' by Walt Whitman over-dramatically and intentionally-so acted out, once upon a time, I would possibly call one of the most hilarious things I have seen. It has the potential length for 10 minutes (you may even have to subtract a few stanzas), it comes from a poet everyone knows, and some of its ambiguity gives room for humor.
Good luck!

[Silas Thorne]

If you really want to go crazy, read the first part of Alan Ginsberg's 'Howl'. But you have to be confident and willing to shock.