Three seniors perform poetry on WMNF radio show “Poetry is”

On Sunday, April 23, seniors Alycia Mora, Maya Antes, and Ashton Taylor got the opportunity to perform their poetry on the WMNF radio show Poetry Is, hosted by poets Wally B. Jennings and Phillip Scott.

“I think it’s an incredible opportunity for the students,” said Upper School English teacher and Poetry Club advisor Heather Ewing. “I got Wally B. Jennings to come to our school last year after listening to the program. After he presented, I asked if he would ever have students on the show. He said he would love to, so that’s when I arranged the show last year. This year we did the same thing.”

Maya Antes, who received Honorable Mention in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards for her Poetry Collection, read “Calling 9-1-1” from that collection. “It started as an assignment in Freshman year,” she said when asked about her interest in poetry. “I’ve always liked writing. I like the freedom of expression it gives me. It’s something I can go to and write about how I’m feeling. It lets me express myself, straight from mind to paper.”

Ashton Taylor, who was a Silver Key Award winner in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards for his collection entitled “My Faults and Experiences”, read “Give Me One Shot” from that collection. “I originally thought poetry was an easy way to get through English class,” Ashton said with a laugh. “But then after reading more from poets like Maya Angelou and going through some hard stuff in my life, I realized that poetry is a way to express myself. There have been times where poetry was my best friend. It’s the one thing that will always be by your side.”

Alycia Mora, who is a loyal member of Farragut’s Poetry Club, read her poem “With Every Click”. “I’ve been making up stories since I was young,” Alycia said. “When I got older, after some school assignments, it shifted into a love of poetry. I love poetry club. It’s nice to sit and share my poems with other people and get feedback from them.”

“Both Wally and Phillip were very complimentary of the students,” Mrs. Ewing said. “They asked them about their lives and plans. We asked them questions about spoken word events and their endeavors with poetry as well. They are amazing with the kids. Phillip used to teach and Wally is just a great guy.”

You can listen to the show at https://www.wmnf.org/events/poetry-is/