After interviewing a variety of Urbana High School students on their opinions of poetry, it was clear that there are many diverse opinions amongst the UHS student body.
The students were given surveys with the following questions: Do you like poetry? Who is your favorite poet? And what is your favorite poem?
There was a great mix of answers that were returned. Although most students found poetry enjoyable, there were some who didn’t have a favorite poem or poet. However, a very popular choice for favorite poet was Edgar Allan Poe. Besides Poe, other favorites were E. E. Cummings and Langston Hughes.
Another question that was asked to UHS students was what type of poetry do they prefer to read. There was a very similar response to this question as the previous in how diverse the opinions were. Many students liked haikus and limericks, while others like free verse and sonnets. Free verse was by far the most popular. With the next questions it was discovered why.
Free verse was clearly discovered as the key to expression through writing. When asked what is poetry to you? Freshman Rialla Hoover said, “Poetry is inspiring and a way to express how you feel in writing”.
Clearly students feel as if poetry is a way of expression for some people. It allows the writer to tell a story, and expand him or herself through writing. It has no boundaries, no rules saying what you can or can’t say.
The final question asked was: Would you like to see your fellow classmates’ work featured on the Echo? In response to this question all students agreed that it should be encouraged. “Art, as poetry is an art form, should be celebrated and seen,” said Junior Amanda Sergent.
In conclusion, UHS students share a great love of poetry. Whatever you’re feeling, you can find ways to make it poetry.
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