In celebration of World Poetry Day and International Book Giving Day, we at the EDGE Office want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all who participated in our poetry survey. Your reflections on the poems that resonate with you were powerful, moving, and deeply appreciated.
We were thrilled to read about the verses that stir your hearts and spark your thoughts. Here are some of the beautiful reflections you shared:
“In the spoken word version, you feel for a few moments what it is like to suffer from OCD and agonize alongside him.” — Alison Workman on OCD by Neil Hilborn
“It is a deeply spiritual poem about our connection to the Earth, and in this case, a particular stone.” — Darlene Velez on Tergvinder’s Stone by W. S. Merwin
“The imagery is so vivid that I can feel the ferocity of her love.” — Kate Nelson on Emily as a Smile Would Have Ruined the Picture by Darren Demaree
“Cullen’s poem captivates us with its deep exploration of divine justice… while Silverman’s poem engages us through the profound emotional depth in student voices.” — Sophia Jeong on Yet Do I Marvel by Countee Cullen and Still, I Witness by Dr. Elena Silverman
“It pays homage to dignity and self-possession.” — Susan Lee on Still I Rise by Maya Angelou
“When reading these words, I am reminded of why I do the work that I do each day and the fight I have within me to make the world a better place.” — Tiffany Wild on Don’t Quit by Edgar Albert Guest
“A choice we must all make at some point in life.” — Ebony Caldwell on The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost
“Connection to past experiences.” — Sherry Kinzel on I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
We are excited to congratulate the five selected participants who will receive a complimentary copy of Respect the Mic: Celebrating 20 Years of Poetry from a Chicagoland High School, edited by Peter Kahn, Hanif Abdurraqib, Dan “Sully” Sullivan, and Franny Choi. Recipients will be contacted via email with details on how to receive their books.Thank you again for celebrating poetry with us—and for keeping the power of words alive and thriving in our community.
— The EDGE Office
