What: Lawrence High Open-Mic Poetry Readings.

When: LHS poetry readings are held once a month on Wednesday or Thursday seminar days. They usually last 45 minutes to an hour. This month’s poetry reading will take place at 2:45 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28.

Where: In the school library

Why: “LHS has a lot of talented writers,” senior Dustin Walthall said. “It is entertaining to hear their work. For anyone who is interested in sharing pieces they have written, the readings are an excellent opportunity. It’s a rewarding experience to be able to have others hear your work. Also, being able to read your writing aloud helps to show where improvements may be made.”

In addition, many English teachers offer extra credit to students for simply attending the poetry readings.

“I encourage kids to attend so they can hear what other students and faculty are interested in reading and writing,” English teacher Keri Lauxman said. “It’s a nice opportunity for students who are poets or interested in literature. They can have an audience for their work, get inspiration and support each other’s creative endeavors. And extra credit doesn’t hurt either.”

What to bring: A poem to read aloud, your own work or someone else’s, or just an open mind.

What you may hear:

Skipping Church

by Ashley Caldwell (LHS ’07)

I can see the corners of his eyes

Desperately thriving to meet mine

As we get up for communion

At the same time.

The preacher’s message seems distant

As my mind races to the handsome lad

Who sits three seats over

Right beside my austere dad.

I think they sang a chorus or two.

I’m distracted in the time of prayer

All heads bowed and eyes closed

Except two, we who choose to sit and stare.

Pass the plate for offering

But he’s not close enough to touch

As I throw in ten percent,

God knows that isn’t much.

He peers at me once more

At the ending song, second verse

I think I’ve skipped church today

But God forgives, I could’ve done worse.

Why it works: “I like this poem because it shows the difficult balance between emotion and imagery,” Graffti magazine sponsor Bill Patterson said. “It is a personal poem, but it’s more about the particulars of the experience than the emotions of the speaker. This is a difficult skill for a poet to develop. I also like that the rhyme in the poem never gets in the way of the poem’s meaning. I have found that is also a rarity in developing poets who experiment with rhyme.”