Eleven students will perform their original poetry tomorrow, Friday March 13 in Los Altos High School’s annual school-wide Poetry Slam in the Eagle Theatre during ACT. Organized by Poetry Club President senior Nora Saraci-Alonso and adviser Carrie Abel Shaffer, this is the Poetry Slam’s second year in its non-competitive format.
Below is an introduction to the poets and their pieces:
All poem descriptions are paraphrased from interviews with contestants. Quotes have been edited for clarity.
Ayesha Aggarwal – “Dear Fake People”
“‘Dear Fake People’ is a poem protesting against dishonesty and emotional insincerity in friendships and social interactions,” freshman Ayesha Aggarwal said. “It emphasizes the importance of authenticity, loyalty and real connection, and how a lack of these values can lead to a loss of trust in people.”
Cielle Brannin-Mooser and Jungsoo Hahn – “The List”
“This poem is about societal pressures and the feeling of not fitting in,” sophomore Cielle Brannin-Mooser, who wrote “The List” alongside sophomore Jungsoo Hahn, said. “Despite the unpredictability of life, many people want to have some sort of structure or instruction in their lives.”
Cielle and Jungsoo will perform the poem together.
Zoe Cheng – “WHY COULDN’T I LOVE YOU?”
“My poem is about how society unnecessarily values romantic connection over platonic connection,” senior Zoe Cheng said. “There are many similarities between the two, and it feels unfair when trying to befriend someone is interpreted as romantic intent.”
Akshita Jain – “Seen, quietly”
“This poem is dedicated to my grandmother, who had a profound impact on my life,” sophomore Akshita Jain said. “Her patience, strength, and kindness have shaped who I am today, even though our relationship has changed over time.”
Caila Kim and Nora Saraci-Alonso – “When I Was A Kid”
Written by seniors Caila Kim and Nora Saraci-Alonso, “When I Was A Kid” is about the whimsy of childhood contrasted with the weight of growing up, according to Caila.
Caila and Nora will perform the poem together.
Ella Omura – “Father”
“My poem is about my dad,” senior Ella Omura said. “He’s the stereotypical deadbeat dad, and I contrast that with what I need and what I want in a father figure.”
Beatrix Poon – “Time Stamps”
Junior Beatrix Poon’s poem “Time Stamps” explores trust being worn down by repeated betrayals and the exhaustion of losing friendship after friendship, with each friendship’s length shorter than the last one.
Kai Teter – “From: Anonymous”
“The poem is a letter written from one ‘friend’ to another about people’s preconceptions about identity,” freshman Kai Teter said. “Many people make assumptions about the queer community, labeling us with names before we even get a say in who we are.”
Luis Zuniga – “If I Were to Write a Song”
“‘If I Were to Write a Song’ is about the self-doubt and loathing of the speaker,” freshman Luis Zuniga said. “There are emotions the speaker wants to let out, and it can be overwhelming to share them. The speaker eventually accepts that they don’t need to explain everything.”
