I found rhythm to be one of the determining factors when writing my own poetry, as the structure helped me organize at the both my thoughts and my sounds. Denman writes: “The rhythmic patterning of a poem gives it its flow, its movements, and its melodic direction, so that the poet can direct the language much as a symphony directs with its baton” (20). Spoken word poets especially need to be aware of rhythm, lest their flow be disrupted or off-kilter. There were a few students in the class who seemed musically inclined, which was reflected in the distinct rhythm and flow of their music.