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2006 12 29

Random Rippling

Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v03n26)

Poetry in motion - Broad Ripple High School students display their poetic talents for fellow students, teachers and guests - By Ashley Plummer

posted: Dec. 29, 2006

Numerous excited and nervous Broad Ripple High School students filed into the auditorium on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2006, for the Ripple Poetry Jam.

The Poetry Jam was put on by sophomore, junior and senior students in Ms. Carrie Calloway's poetry classes during their second and third periods. Around 30 students read their personal poems aloud to an auditorium packed with other students, teachers, family members and friends.

Carrie Calloway - teacher

Aubreonna Dunlop, who read her poem "Darkside," said that she was nervous because she had never read in front of a large audience.

"I am glad we get to do something like this though," she added.

Ms. Calloway opened the Jam and acted as the unofficial emcee.

"Poetry is deeply personal, whether it is about a lost love or the hatred of a math class," she said. To reiterate her point, Stephen Zachery later read his piece titled "Math," where he wrote: "I hate going to math. . . but I'm gunna do my thing and keep on so I can graduate in 2007."

Calloway kicked off the literary event with her own poem, titled "Don't Be Scared," which could not be mistaken for anything other than a call to her students to be brave when they went on stage.

"You have not failed," her poetry read. "You and your poem are still alive. . . get up, this time, dive in, head first."

Calloway's piece was immediately followed by the students' readings, whose subjects ranged from heartbreak (a popular subject among the female students), first loves, community violence, money, social stereotypes and the losses of loved ones.

Brianna Puckett, who read two outstanding pieces titled "Erasable" and "He Said He Loved Me," said that she was really happy that BRHS put on the Poetry Jam.

"It's fun and I really enjoyed doing this," she said. "In my free time I write poetry and music, and this gives me an outlet. I wish the school had more things like this."

Brianna Puckett reads her poem "Erasable" at the BRHS 2006 Poetry Jam.

Her buddy and fellow poet, Robert Hailey, who read his piece "Features of a Black Male," agreed that the school needed to have more events like the Jam.

"I know that I would definitely be involved in more stuff like this," he said.

Overall, the students put on a stellar literary performance for the crowd, who replied with generous applause.

Poetry in motion - Broad Ripple High School students display their poetic talents for fellow students, teachers and guests - By Ashley Plummer

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