Arrowhead Students Become Published Poets

Several Arrowhead students in Creative Writing classes have become published poets this November after submitting their work to the Skinny Poetry Journal.  

Published students include seniors Alena Lippold, Gianna Konen, Tallen Van Lare, Lucy Rislov, Maile Beck, Sarah Larson, and Kenna Koller, and juniors Ethan Baumgartner, Sidney Heberlein, and Ben Kaczmarek.

According to the Skinny Poetry Journal’s official website, accepted poems must follow a strict format:  “The Skinny is a short poem form that consists of eleven lines. The first and eleventh lines can be any length (although shorter lines are favored). The eleventh and last line must be repeated using the same words from the first and opening line (however, they can be rearranged). The second, sixth, and tenth lines must be identical. All the lines in this form, except for the first and last lines, must be comprised of ONLY one word.”

The website continues: “The point of The Skinny, or Skinnys, is to convey a vivid image with as few words as possible. Skinny poems can be about any subject, although the form generally reflects more serious concerns facing humankind.”

Students were encouraged to write about subjects personal to them during class. 

Kaczmarek, who was published in the Skinny Poetry Journal, said he was inspired “to write about the things I wish I could do in my life and what I want to do in the future.”

Inspired by their achievement, some students are considering a future in writing. 

Published poet Kenna Koller, senior, said, “It is actually a huge confidence booster knowing that people really like your work enough to publish it for even more people to see! I am now looking into colleges with really good writing and English programs to continue my writing journey after high school, which I am super excited about.”

Student poems can be found on the Skinny Poetry Journal’s website at https://theskinnypoetryjournal.wordpress.com/.