John Kraimer, RWC Director of Disabilities Services, is a well-known performer at poetry events throughout the area. You may know him as “Slammin’ John” from his music performed at Worldfest in the spring. Several videos featuring John and his poetry are available on Youtube.In one of them he performs one of his humorous poems called “Rite of Spring.” In the poem John vividly describes going outside seeking peace and tranquility in nature only to be surrounded by the noise of neighbors with lawnmowers, chainsaws, and other power tools. So he goes back inside for peace and quiet.
John performed this poem for me after talking about it. It is a great poem. Another of his videos, which was shown recently at the RWC Write On, Rock Out open mic night, is called “Quadapledigc I Am.” It also features a great poem recited over video footage of John going through his daily life as a “quad.” It’s very inspirational.
John got started in his poetry after an injury in 1990, which left him paralyzed from the chest down, but he describes how he really got started after he began at RWC, when Professor Maria Damen inspired him to write more poetry.
In 2003 John wrote over 100 poems, and in 2004 he wrote even more. In 2004 John began getting involved in open mic events, now he runs two poetry groups: “Ham Slam,” which is out of Miami University in Hamilton, and Riverbank Poetry.
“This has opened up a lot of doors and given me another way to express myself other than art and music,” John says.
To see some of John’s poetry videos, visit YouTube and type in “John Kraimer.” (But remember to have his name in quotes; otherwise it will appear as a different John).
There are a few upcoming events where you will be able to see John perform. The next event is February 12 at Miami Downtown, located at 221 High Street in Hamilton. On March 10 he will host a poetry slam contest with cash prizes at Fairfield Community Arts Center located at 411 Wessel Drive in Fairfield.