Twenty-six eighth grade students presented their poems at The Sunflower Theatre. (Lissa Lycan/Courtesy photo)
Twenty-six eighth grade students presented their poems at The Sunflower Theatre. (Lissa Lycan/Courtesy photo)

Students started the project in the first quarter by studying poetic form, structure and content, focusing on how style shapes meaning.

“They read a novel in verse titled ‘The Crossover’ by Kwame Alexander, which we used not only as an anchor text to study poetic language, but also as an exploration of the changes in identity and self-perception that happen in middle school,” Lycan told The Journal.

Each student chose a real-life experience that changed their sense of self and created a portfolio of three poems. Each piece used a distinct poetic structure, forming a cohesive narrative with a clear beginning, middle and end.

“We think the Cortez Middle School Eighth Grade Poetry Performance is one of the most important things that we host annually at the Sunflower. To see exceptional students sharing such well-crafted poetry in a spirit of authenticity and connection is a powerful thing to witness,” said Sunflower Theatre Director Sarah Severson.

She added that the theater plans to host the group again and urged those who missed this year’s event to mark their calendars for next year.

Training included analyzing videos of spoken-word artists and rehearsing in small peer groups. Throughout the fall, eighth graders presented their work to classmates, at a schoolwide assembly attended by more than 500 students, and during a community night at the middle school before the Sunflower Theatre showcase.

“We had 26 students volunteer to present at the Sunflower Theatre, reading poems about a variety of life experiences,” Lycan said. “We are most impressed by their bravery and willingness to perform for multiple audiences, their vulnerability in sharing real-life challenges and pain and their attention to detail in reworking poetry again and again to use figurative language to the fullest.”

‘Five Reasons that the Clouds are Breaking,’ by Brecken Arter

5. I can genuinely smile,like a normal person. The cloudsof false happinesshave dispersed to revealthe sun.4. Because I have activitiesduring the day, and I ampassionate about them. Passion is a wall.3. My laugh is no longerfake. I can feel ecstasyradiating from me, likea cloud of light.2. My brain and body feel likenurtured plants, sturdy andhealthy. But most of all,1. I can look out the windowand know that the worldis still here, like theground beneath my feet, like thesky above my head.

‘Best Times,’ by Samantha Sanchez

When I think of the best times,I think of my ELA classwith both of them. LAUGHING during LESSONSREASSURING during READINGIt was a timewhen there was no need for mymask. No need to keep my weaknessesto myself. For I have been shown thatI am free to be myself, that myselfis not wrong, or bad, or weird. That conformity is boring, andshould be the leastof my worries. I can finally breathe. Shatter the glass bottle I’ve trapped myself in, For I need no facade. For I am no longer performing to fit perfect standards. Because I know that I am enough for youJust as I am. I have never felt so accepted. Thank you.