Most of the students read their own original work while some, like sophomore Andreas Astrinakis, recited poetry by other writers. Subjects ranged from love to religion and nothing was held back as students spilled their emotions into the recitation of their poems.

All participants in the event wore black with a hint of white, similar to the outfits of the beatniks of the 1950s.

The event opened with librarian Susan Newcomer reading a poem. The students were then introduced to the stage. Some readers gave a preface before reading their poems to hint why they had chosen to write it. Senior Ngoc-Minh Pham dedicated her poem “Pain is a Muse” to a friend who had passed away.

Juniors Nairi Issagholian and Sarineh Nersisian had written their joint poem, “Instead,” for everyday people who miss their chance to say something and later on regret it.

The night’s atmosphere was equivalent to that of a beatnik coffee house, which poets frequented in the 50s. The lights were dim, the audience clapped and snapped their fingers, Issagholian strummed her guitar, club advisor Maral Guarino shook her maracas and Newcomer beat her bongo drums after each reading, giving the room a beatnik feeling.

“It was a great night and the students were fabulous,” said Newcomer. Although poetry night was close to being cancelled this year due to a shortage in members, it came through in the end. Members had eagerly prepared for this event since March.
It was the first time that poetry night was held in the cybrary after being held in the auditeria for the past four years. Nonetheless, students gave it their all and the audience intently listened.