Main photo: Members of the HHS Original Ink poetry club (from left) teacher Mandi McIntosh, Annika Martin, Gabby White, Devan Ferrier and Katie Fleming
In a world where teen anxiety and pressure to fit in are at an all-time high, Huntsville High School’s Original Ink poetry club provides a safe space for students to work through their writing free of judgement.
“Three years ago I had a super keen group who, at the end of the unit of study, craved more. Ironically, a group of boys from that class urged me to start up the club I was thinking about for a while. How could I say no? I mean, 14 to 15-year-old boys asking to explore and write poetry on their free time!” said English teacher Mandi McIntosh.
In recent years, young people’s interest in reading poetry has skyrocketed. Whether it be through reading a poetry collection or browsing Instagram accounts that are dedicated to poems, they are finding their passion in poetry and exploring the benefits of consuming it.
At Original Ink, students look at how they can view their world and the world as a whole through a poetic lens–how everyone can be a poet–and they also explore the mental and emotional benefits of reading and writing poetry.
Original Ink is an inclusive club that meets weekly to discuss spoken word poetry which, as the name suggests, is spoken aloud and relies heavily on aspects of rhythm and performance. Other types of poetry discussed in the club varies from 19th century William Blake to the present-day spoken word poetry by Canadian Shane Koyzcan.
“We also practice different writing techniques so they can find their own poetic voice niche,” said McIntosh, “Already I can see how one student gravitates toward lyrical poetry, another narrative, another free verse and then yet another spoken word.”
Each weekly Original Ink meeting has a different theme (some examples are scars or mountains) and includes ‘open mic’ sharing time, watching spoken word poets for inspiration, and one to three short writing activities.
“Since the society started it has provided a safe, non-judgemental space to share and practice our own writing, and engage in the poetry as a group of interested students, something that I wouldn’t be able to do without this dedicated and helpful space among my encouraging peers,” said original club member Aidan McClung. “Poetry, and really anything, becomes so much more interesting when you actively choose to participate and engage, and that is really the essence of what we are doing at the high school: engaging in it together.”
The club is open to all students and runs throughout the whole school year. This year’s group has a few returning students as well as some first-time poetry-writers.
“It’s a good way for kids to get out all of the thoughts in their heads,” said third-year Original Ink member Gabby White. “The club provides a comfortable space where you know everyone is understanding of what you’re going through.”
“I was always curious about poetry,” said grade 9 student Katie Fleming. “I like listening to slam poetry online so thought this would be a fun club to try. It’s very different from my other hobby, basketball.”
McIntosh said that having equal gender representation, students from all grades, and all levels of writing makes the club that much more exciting.
“Original Ink is a place that allows a much-needed cathartic release. Life as a teenager can especially feel like a roller coaster at times with the highs and lows. Equipping teens with the power of poetic writing and understanding how to express their individual life experiences and day-to-day emotions through writing is a skill that will serve them their whole life long,” said McIntosh.
Any HHS student who wants to try out poetry is welcome to join club meetings on Thursdays at lunch hour in room 231.
Don’t miss out on Doppler!
Sign up here to receive our email digest with links to our most recent stories.
Local news in your inbox three times per week!
Amazing initiative! I’ve always written poetry (starting in Grade 8), and would have appreciated such a club. Love of poetry, and love of writing poetry (at the time) were considered akin to love of Shakespeare (guilty again). So a “safe” environment would have been apropos then: It saddens me considerably that “safe” is still considered to be an appropriate adjective. My experience has been that poetry appreciation generally accompanies an empathetic nature. And in the parlous times in which we live, empathy is more necessary than ever before.
Original Ink, Bravo! Fine endeavours by all participants. In addition to enriching your personal lives, you’re making significant contributions to the literary and cultural landscape of Huntsville. All the best.