On Tuesday, November 26, the Barnes & Noble Bookstore at the Walpole Mall was abuzz with activity. Walpole students, parents, and poetry-lovers alike crowded into the store’s small Starbucks to hear some of Walpole high’s most talented writers read their original poems aloud. This year, a host of high schoolers submitted sonnets and free-verse to be read at the annual Fall Poetry Night; as a result, more than 30 poems—comprised of a full range of emotions and subjects—were recited by their imaginative authors. While sampling strawberry cheesecake and sipping their Starbucks, spectators were treated to stories of stargazing, silliness, summer, and sorrow.
Even before the poetry reading commenced, palpable excitement permeated the room. Senior Maria Earabino kicked off the night’s festivities when she performed original songs as entertainment for individuals who filed into the bookstore. Afterward, Seniors Andrew Hazerjian, Brian Hazerjian, and Jimmy Martin played until the poets were ready to read their works. After his performance, Brian Hazerjian said, “It was a very relaxed evening so we just had fun with it. We had a good time.” The music succeeded in setting the calm, comfortable atmosphere that continued throughout the course of the night. After about an hour of performing, the musicians were met with a roaring applause from the appreciative audience.
At precisely 7:00pm, the first poet of many approached the podium to recite her works. Senior Maria Earabino received a warm applause for her inspiring poems entitled “All I Ask For” and “Untitled”. Immediately afterward, sophomore Archana Apte read “Long Way Home,” her intriguing piece that portrayed the painful memories of a young boy. Several students representing each grade showcased their writing skills and spoke of everything from anatomy to origami, from feelings to Fall Out Boy. At the end of the night, junior Katie Greulich’s witty poem “Meat Patties” elicited many laughs from listeners.
One of the most notable readings was that of Senior Alexa DeMarco, a veteran poet at the annual WHS event. Pouring all emotions into her three poems, Alexa left the audience in awe of both her extraordinary writing skills and her courage in sharing such personal experiences with a room filled with strangers. In “That Moment in Time,” she spoke of finding pure joy in a seemingly hopeless situation. Next, DeMarco illustrated the flood of emotions that accompany pain in her second poem. In her final piece, Alexa revealed that source of her unyielding strength in certain situations is her guardian angel: her loving mother. The tear-jerking tribute resulted in erupting applause, and Alexa took her seat after a brief exchange with her mother, who was seated in the audience.
Crowd favorites included junior Leah D’Sa, senior Harrison Berkland, and senior Frank DeBlasio. While D’Sa put a sweet spin on young love, Berkland wrote an ode to his old dog. Yet the poet whose work received the most praise was DeBlasio. The final poet of the night, DeBlasio recited “Food”—a humorous piece devoted to the wonders of nutrition and metabolism. DeBlasio finished the night pondering, “Maybe I should increase my daily amount of fruits instead of letting myself fil up on junk. Maybe if I do that, I’ll become a hunk.”
Organized by English and Film teacher Mr. Michael Alan, this highly-anticipated annual event was yet again a massive success. Senior Cara Cianci— a participant in this years’ poetry reading— said, “It was definitely a fun atmosphere. Although it was my first time at Walpole High’s poetry night, I have read my poetry in front of people before. I wasn’t nervous at all.” When asked about his thoughts on the reading, Mr. Alan said, “It was a great night with an eclectic bunch of poets. The range was very serious and personal to funny and humorous. Also, the Hazerjian’s performance was great!”
Addressing the rumors of a Spring Poetry Night, Mr. Alan said, “Depending on our availability in the spring, we may be able to have a Spring Poetry reading. However, it mostly depends on both Mrs. Kerr’s availability and mine.” For several years, Mr. Alan—with the help of fellow English teacher Mrs. Laura Kerr—has helped young writers showcase their talents in a welcoming atmosphere while simultaneously augmenting their public speaking skills.
On Tuesday, November 26, spectators of all ages gathered in Barnes & Noble expecting a night of amusing anecdotes, scintillating sonnets, and thought-provoking poems. Unsurprisingly, the 2013 Fall Poetry Reading did not disappoint.
