Philosophy major Tori Harris experienced her first Literature Slam on March 13, where she along with 22 other students and faculty read poems, or excerpts of books.
Harris read poems that she had written in her junior year of high school, after having read the poems in the Literature Slam she felt like she was connected with writing again.
“I felt like I was getting reacquainted with myself and the reasons I enjoy writing. Each (poem) was an expression of myself as a person and some of the ideas and beliefs I was experiencing and struggling with during that time.”
The first poem she read was titled “I am…. a Faithless Believer” and was about struggles that many people face while growing up. It also talks about how sometimes people want to believe in others and have faith, the poem was geared toward younger women.
“The poem was written not so much for myself but others that face this problem in life especially, young women who fill vulnerable while dealing with societies standards of love and relationships.” Harris said.
Her second poem titled, “When I’m Gone (or That One Girl With The Glasses)” is one that Harris said was more comedic and fun to write. It was written about a girl in her high school class that wouldn’t show up often.
“I wrote (it) because I felt like sometimes I was the only one really aware of her absence.” Harris said.
She went on to say that the poem may be dramatic and it expresses the feeling of being invisible.
Harris also read a third poem titled “Jumping for the Moon” which she feels portrays a sense of adventure and determination.
“The feeling of wanting to do and be better and wanting to reach your dream is powerful. After reading the first two I wanted something uplifting and meaningful to inspire people.”
Harris said that through the time the poem was written, at the end of her junior year of high school, she felt like she grew into a stronger person.
Vice President of the Literature Club, Josh Craft explained that this event was important because it was geared toward women writers.
“Any event which entails gathering to commune and celebrate the work of women…is a wondrous reiteration of the natural human need for empathy and mutual freedom that underlines the struggle for any kind of equality.”
He went on to say that this event stands as a “defiant democratic cry against the common waves of our culture.”
The club is trying to create, according to Craft, a celebration of people’s influences and how people can learn from them.
“This is what art is about; this is what literature is about. This is what Lit Club hopes to promote.”
