With pages turning and pencils writing, the English classroom is vividly working even during DEN, with Poetry Club students being back on campus and ready to read and write some poetry.

With activities ranging from reading poetry written by other members to sharing your own poetry with the class, students get to immerse themselves into the art of poetry in this club.

“Poetry club is about going more in depth into writing in general and finding out what about it speaks to you,” senior and founding member Michael Wade said. “All of this makes it a great creative experience helpful for people who want to find out more about poetry and writing in general.”

The club utilizes simple activities, such as exchanging poems with other members during the meetings to create a close bond between the members and create a safe environment in the classrooms, offering poetry lovers a place to express themselves with like-minded peers.

“In the poetry club, we alternate between enjoying the works of published poets and enjoying the poetry of other members,” senior Sydney Fuller said. “One meeting Ms. Iskra will read us a poem from a published poet, during the next meeting we will exchange our own poems with each other.”

English teacher Michelle Iskra wanted to create a supportive environment for young writers, while also promoting the art of poetry. Being in a poetry group herself, Iskra wanted to pass on that knowledge to students.

“I believe many students write poetry, as I did as a young person, and they have no one to share it with,” Iskra said. “Poetry Club is an opportunity for students to meet other people who write poetry and share their own work in a supportive setting. [The club] is an opportunity for students who love and perhaps write poetry to share it with other interested students. We also seek to improve and promote the craft of poetry composition through practice and performance.”

With no requirements this club is open to anyone who has a passion for poetry and would like to share their passion and meet like-minded people.

“There are no requirements to join this club,” Fuller said. “However, it is recommended that you have your own poetry or a poem that you love written by someone else to share on workshop days.”

Students with a lifelong passion for poetry can now expand their knowledge on the topic and get practice while making lifelong friendships and having the support of a structured environment.

“I’ve always loved poetry. For years, it’s been one of my primary artistic outlets. I often write poetry as a way to process my emotions and create art that celebrates positive emotions,” Fuller said. “Since I joined poetry club, I have been provided with a time in which these people with a shared interest can reflect and process human experiences together, and to connect with peers who I may have not known before.”

If interested in joining, students can attend club meetings on the first and third Thursday of every month during DEN. For more information, talk to Iskra in Room 1215.