Throwback Poem #1

The sheer power of poetry can steal your breath. It’s artistic, volatile, and perspective-shifting—all in a few beautifully chosen lines. I’m amazed by poets who spin their narratives so effortlessly while rhyming and following the beat. I write much better in free verse, in general. My taste in poetry gravitates toward modern free verse as well. Poets like JMStorm, Tyler Knott Gregson, and Morgan Harper Nichols are some of my favorite fresh voices. They share their insights and emotions with such raw power, often crafted on a typewriter, written on a stray piece of paper, or layered on watercolor. And there’s a whole world of classical poetry that is incredible too, with Shakespeare, Keats, Emily Dickinson as perennial favorites of mine, ever since I studied them in high school.

My Favorite

For today’s throwback, I’m opening a vault from my senior year of high school (1996–1997)—specifically Mrs. Halsey’s IB English class, where I wrote a poem that remains my favorite piece of writing to this day.

Here is my pastiche of Emily Dickinson:

{THROUGH EYES I SEE—WHEN LOOKING DEEP}

Through eyes I see—When looking deep—

A hint of human souls

But ever—in elusive Ones—

Enigmas to behold

Behind the human lenses'

Deep and thoughtful glare—

Veiled in shadow, Mystery—

A blank and open stare

Revealed in their Entirety—

Identities Resound

The eyes project the human Force

Subtle—yet—Profound

A Deeper Meaning

This poem was a clue that I quietly left out in the open. At school, I probably looked confident and focused on achievement. But on the inside, I was dealing with past trauma and a deep fear of being seen. Yet somehow I was hoping someone would look closely enough to notice. This particular poem was a real invitation and opening into my world.

That’s what poetry can do. In dark moments, it shines the light of truth—and it can resonate with others just as powerfully as it does with us.

The Logbook Prompt:

⚓Have you written any poetry? Has it been cathartic and revealing—or maybe a commentary on the world around you?

Getting photographed isn’t Erin’s favorite thing, but here are a couple of surprise shots taken of her during senior year.