Many of these poems performed in the Teen Poetry Slam Monday night at the West Branch Library are written from the heart, as they reference the poets' real-life relationship struggles.

Each selected poem has a meaning behind it.

In "Without You," senior Kristian "The Riser" Bandeira discusses his lingering love for his ex-girlfriend, and how he just can't live without her throughout six stanzas. He did an improv piece about their relationship, too.

In 10-stanza, 1-1/2-minute "Hate You" and in an untitled two stanza, one-minute poem, junior Jessie Nocella read directly from her thoughts about heartbreak and the world literally coming to an end.

In "A Break," senior Victoria-Lynn "Tori" Alberti discusses her feelings for an ex-boyfriend, but has since moved on.

Her poems are mostly about an ex-boyfriend whom Alberti thought she was in love with -- but he broke her heart. Yet, she also has comedic, romance, family issues, life poems, and even one about Bob Marley's influence. 

"I am taking part in the slam, because poetry is something I am passionate about," Alberti said. "There is always someone who can relate, and if I can help just that one person, then I'm happy."

Nocella echoed that passion.

"I'm taking part in these slams, because it is a passion, and something I look forward to," Nocella said. "It's somewhere where anyone can belong. I participate to see and understand the views of other people through their own poetry."

Although they participated twice before and are poetry club members, under the direction of Peabody Veterans Memorial High School English teacher Nathan Leland, the teens don't necessarily expect to win; the competition is tough. But Alberti said, she's not there to win or lose, just to express herself.

Alberti said before Monday's Slam: "I'm preparing by writing, revising, and just lots and lots of practice."

Bandeira felt the same way.

"I like to express myself and show people that I have a voice," he said. "That I'm not just that kid who doesn't talk to people; I have emotions and dreams."

He's in it to make a point, and prepares by "getting in the zone."

Nocella originally suggested the idea to Leland early in her freshman year. 

"I'm preparing for it by just re-reading my poems and correcting or changing words to improve it," Nocella told Peabody Patch before Monday's event at the West Branch Library. "I read it out loud a couple times to my friends or family, but really it comes out during the slam naturally. Preparing doesn't always help me."

Following the local poetry slam Monday at the library, a grand slam will be held in Boston.

Stay tuned for more coverage from Monday's night event.