Poetry is defined by Merriam-Webster as something that is very beautiful or graceful. By this definition, almost anything can be considered poetry. But it takes a certain skill to weave words together in a way that sounds lyrical and, of course, poetic.
Senior Linette Reeman has been developing that talent since 6th grade. She writes haikus, “snarky limericks”, and much more. Linette covers more than just your typical love poem. Lately, she’s been inspired by things she doesn’t fully understand, such as math, physics, and “the complexities of human nature.”
“I’ve been using the theme of the universe in a lot of my recent poems because I am both terrified and in awe of it. I am also inspired by every day actions, things, and people, mainly my close friends, and the inner workings of the human psyche.” Linette said.
Linette also now writes some poems with the intention of performing them in slam poetry tournaments and some poems solely for reading on paper. I had the lovely opportunity of seeing Linette perform one of her poems live and I was struck with the sudden realization that I wanted the exact feeling that she was describing. It’s a testament to Linette’s talent that she could convey an emotion so clearly.
“I love poetry because I’m able to communicate with people that I might not have anything in common with and I probably will never meet, simply because we feel the same shade of emotion, or have the same questions that we want answers to.” she said.
Linette, left, with girlfriend Liz Ditzel. Courtesy of Linette Reeman.
While originally Linette found the idea of performing her poetry “incredibly weird”, she now hopes to pursue a career as a professional slam poet. Winning the Regional Scholastic Gold Key Award her sophomore year is her proudest accomplishment so far.
“That was my first real, legitimate poetry competition I ever entered, and that was the highest award you could get regionally, And it was for a poem I’d scribbled out in the middle of class,” Linette says, laughing. “I was floored, and incredibly happy.”
Linette’s advice for aspiring poets is simple: “Write write write write write… always write for yourself; even if eventually it’s going to be published and a lot of people are going to see it, it has to come from the heart.”
CHS Beast Mode 