“We don’t read and write poetry because it’s cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race.” – John Keating, Dead Poets Society
Chances are you’ve heard of–or even have been to–Chatham’s annual Poetry Festival, but have you ever thought about what goes on behind the scenes? Welcome PULP, the club that creates the Literary Magazine and Poetry Fest. You may have even seen some of the members speaking in your English class within the past month or so in an effort to gather more student interest.
The Poetry Festival is, without a doubt, one of the many highlights of the CHS school year. Last year, during the 2023-2024 school year, countless students performed dances, recited poems, played original music, and even assembled an IKEA table. It seemed as if not a single person left the auditorium unhappy that day. Despite the fun, some still seem fearful of joining. Most of these fears stem from the mindset of not being confident in presenting their own writing. To counteract this, students are allowed to read other’s work (or any poetry) out loud if they so please. Additionally, it’s a surefire way to get out of class for a period. What’s not to like?
When people think of the Literary Magazine, they obviously think of literature. However, it’s so much more than that. The magazine also hosts artwork, photography, and various other two-dimensional art forms. Included writings could range anywhere from English assignments to complex prose. The magazine is physically printed each year, allowing those who submit to hold their work in their hands. The collaborative process involved with submitting is guaranteed to help any writer grow while also offering the high reward of publication.
If, for whatever reason, you’re still hesitant on joining the club or submitting your work, let the students speak for themselves. First, PULP leader Em Babiak offers their own anecdote: “I’ve been a member of PULP since my freshman year… and now (as a senior) I’m running it!
I joined PULP without really knowing what it was, but I knew it had something to do with poetry and writing and the creative process, all things I liked. I write poetry on my own time and share it with others online, something that I feel has improved my writing a lot over the years. Publishing my work was the next logical step, and PULP gave me that opportunity.
Making art is important and often overlooked, but PULP gives students a chance to showcase their work and foster a passion for the humanities in everyone involved: readers, writers, photographers, artists, composers, and more. Art is not just a painting you hang on the wall. Art is everywhere, seen all around; yet, we often overlook it. The way mountains form, the way flower petals bloom, in sequences and series, in out-of-tune pianos, in notes in the margins of books, the way books are arranged on a shelf. In this way, one can see that art is all around us. You just have to reach out and make it your own.”
Next, member Lily Arps presents her own experience: “Being a part of the PULP club has been such a rewarding experience for me. Submitting work I’m proud of, coupled with reading other amazing pieces, has allowed me to further my passion for writing and reading. On top of that, PULP fosters an incredibly inclusive and supportive environment, as we are all dedicated to improving the Chatham High School community. Don’t sleep on the humanities clubs…become a part of PULP and you won’t regret it!”
Want to be included in the fun? Submit your work here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8LtB5v45AXAKXR9bb9k1JTiG_VMi3hb7FcC8ebjJqiLKVgQ/viewform?urp=gmail_link