It seems that in these fast-paced days of mass-social-media consumption, poetry has become a forgotten literary art form – what purpose does a poem serve? What utility? What purpose is there in writing poetry, in being a poet?
Throughout the ages, poetry has always played a vital role in forming and informing culture: from the epic poems of Homer recited by memory to the minimalism of the Japanese haiku capturing that perfect moment of sakura in bloom.
As it has always been, so too today: poetry has its place in this fast-paced 21st century world – while poetic conventions form the bedrock of advertising through catchy phrases and slogans, teenagers, plugged in to their headphones, hum and mutter the occasional word from their favourite song, these lyrics they sing are poetry.
It is in keeping with this time-honoured tradition, that I introduce “The CAS Poet Laureate Project”, an initiative designed to celebrate those creative wordsmiths, the poets, in our community. From the inception of this initiative, student interest has been evident with numerous grade 8 students submitting their inspired words. One such student is María José Godoy Escobar from 8C.
María José is a student who wears a big smile on her face and always offers a friendly wave. She is a true artist: playing the viola in the school orchestra, an avid anime illustrator, and poet. Her poem, “Veyra’s Final Lament,” evokes supernatural imagery reminiscent of the opening scene in Shakespeare’s Macbeth. It is a companion piece to her anime character, Lady Veyra. One can imagine Lady Veyra’s allure and horror as the reader is drawn in to the depths of her cavernous clutches:
Veyra’s Final Lament
María José Godoy Escobar
Drift, drift, the tide will turn,
Sing my name, and you will burn.
Deep below, where echoes cry,
Close your eyes, prepare to die.
The moonlight fades, the sea turns red,
