Category Archives: Poetry

Poetry & Ceramic Pots by Julia Polen ’24

by Brian Yun At the end of every year, Creative Writing students design and create a final independent project. Julia chose to write a series of flower-themed poems. The poems describe the 5 stages of grief – denial, anger, bargaining, … Continue reading

Posted in Poetry, Visual Art, Writing | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Poetry & Ceramic Pots by Julia Polen ’24

Two Scholastic Gold Key poems by Kieri Keys ’24

“Ambidextrous” and “Permanent Marker,” two poems by sophomore Kieri Keys, recently won regional Scholastic Art and Writing Gold Key Awards. Congratulations, Kieri! Ambidextrous I believe in God, but I don’t believe his people. Why should I? They tell me that … Continue reading

Posted in Poetry | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Two Scholastic Gold Key poems by Kieri Keys ’24

Chocolate Poetry Competition Winners

On February 24th, Newark Academy celebrated its annual Chocolate Day. Among the Chocolate Day festivities was a chocolate poetry competition. Andrew Zabelo ’21 won first place, with Oliver Adelson ’21 in second! The two winners received large chocolate prizes as … Continue reading

Posted in Event, Poetry | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Chocolate Poetry Competition Winners

Poetry by Kristin Duszak and Sarah Fischer

Last summer, NA faculty members Kristin Duszak and Sarah Fischer participated in a conference around place-based learning, where they wrote reflective poems in the style of George Ella Lyons’ “Where I’m From” about their identity, their culture, and their stories.

Posted in Poetry, Writing | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Poetry by Kristin Duszak and Sarah Fischer

Senior Interns Spotlight: Alison Bader ’20 and Jamie Paradis ’20

In 2018, the WAM blog welcomed four student interns to work as a part of the team, helping to curate blog posts and organize outreach to the NA community. Senior Alison Bader ’20 has since then been a valuable contributor … Continue reading

Posted in Other, Photography, Poetry, Visual Art, Writing | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Senior Interns Spotlight: Alison Bader ’20 and Jamie Paradis ’20

Jamie Paradis ’20 published in Hanging Loose

Four poems by Jamie Paradis ’20 have been accepted for publication in the esteemed literary magazine Hanging Loose. They will be printed in an upcoming issue. Congratulations, Jamie! I can’t see in this fog but it’s okay for now I … Continue reading

Posted in Poetry, Writing | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Jamie Paradis ’20 published in Hanging Loose

Student Reviews of Summer Art Programs

Interviews and write-up by Jamie Paradis ’20. Newark Academy students often spend their summers honing their creative craft in programs outside of NA. Here, students Ben Chaddha, Lori Hashasian, Jamie Paradis, Kaitlin Weiss, and Silvy Zhou reflect on their experiences … Continue reading

Posted in Fiction, Music, Poetry, Visual Art, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Student Reviews of Summer Art Programs

Poetry by Elizabeth Hawk

Poetry by Newark Academy senior Elizabeth Hawk ’19. 3,000 Miles Away I can hear the wind in California Crackling through the phone. Carried to me through threads Of bouncing information On waves into my ear But I can’t think about … Continue reading

Posted in Poetry | Tagged | Comments Off on Poetry by Elizabeth Hawk

Unnathy Nellutla Scholastic American Voices Medal Nominee

Poetry by Unnathy Nellutla ’19 earned a 2019 Scholastic Art & Writing Award Gold Key for Poetry and was selected by judges as one of five nominees from New Jersey for the prestigious American Voices Medal.   Before 9/11 When … Continue reading

Posted in Poetry | Tagged , | Comments Off on Unnathy Nellutla Scholastic American Voices Medal Nominee

Jamie Paradis Published in Blue Marble Review

“A Tree Poem” by junior Jamie Paradis ’20 was published in the March 2019 Volume 13 issue of the Blue Marble Review, a quarterly online literary journal showcasing the creative work of young writers ages 13-21. In addition, Jamie recently … Continue reading

Posted in Poetry | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Jamie Paradis Published in Blue Marble Review

Poetry by Young Se Choi

“Evening in New York” by Young Se Choi ’18 was published by the New Jersey Lives Poets Society for their “Inside of Me” theme, summer 2016. You can read more of Young Se’s published work on WAM: Selected Works. Evening … Continue reading

Posted in Poetry | Tagged , | Comments Off on Poetry by Young Se Choi

Scholastic National Gold Medal Poetry by Ava Sharahy

“M” by Ava Sharahy ’20 earned a Scholastic Art & Writing Awards National Gold Medal in Poetry awarded at Carnegie Hall in June 2018. In 2017 Ava earned a National Silver Medal in Flash Fiction for her story, “Hero to … Continue reading

Posted in Poetry | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Scholastic National Gold Medal Poetry by Ava Sharahy

Scholastic National Gold Medal Poetry by Ezra Lebovitz

This poem was part of a poetry portfolio by Ezra Lebovitz ’18 that earned a Scholastic National Gold Medal, to be awarded at a Carnegie Hall ceremony in June 2018. Other poems in his collection included “Cracking My Knuckles in … Continue reading

Posted in Poetry | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Scholastic National Gold Medal Poetry by Ezra Lebovitz

WAM Montage

Newark Academy’s Writing, Art & Music blog, affectionately known as WAM, is a place for students, alumni, teachers, staff and visiting artists to share creative work  with the goal of supporting and encouraging artistic pursuits, large and small. We feature … Continue reading

Posted in Dance, Fiction, Film, Music, Photography, Poetry, Theater, Visual Art, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on WAM Montage

Poetry by Abbey Zhu

In addition to earning Scholastic Art & Writing Regional Gold Key recognition, work by Abbey Zhu ’18 has been published in three national print magazines: Susquehanna University’s Apprentice Writer (“Ground Zero” Fall 2016, Vol. 34), Cicada Magazine (“Impediments” September/October 2016 … Continue reading

Posted in Poetry | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Poetry by Abbey Zhu

Poetry by Mel Xiao

Mel Xiao ’18 was named a 2017 New Jersey Youth Poet Laureate. She received a Governor’s Award and will have five poems printed in a national anthology. In addition,  Mel won a 2017 Moving Words Competition, through which her poetry … Continue reading

Posted in Poetry | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Poetry by Mel Xiao

Mel Xiao Published in Blue Marble Review

This poem by Mel Xiao ’18 was published in the January 2017 issue of The Blue Marble Review. Mel’s work has also appeared in The Apprentice Writer, Black Fox Literary Magazine and Cicada Magazine.  She won a Bronze Medal for … Continue reading

Posted in Poetry | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Mel Xiao Published in Blue Marble Review

New Poetry Collection by Vanessa Jimenez Gabb

Newark Academy English Department faculty member Vanessa Jimenez Gabb is the author of Images for Radical Politics, which was the Editor’s Choice in the 2015 Rescue Press Black Box Poetry Prize contest and is forthcoming in November, 2016; and the … Continue reading

Posted in Poetry, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on New Poetry Collection by Vanessa Jimenez Gabb

Vanessa Gabb to Publish First Book of Poetry

This poem by English Department Faculty member Vanessa Jimenez Gabb was published in Issue 18 of the online poetry journal DUSIE.  Ms. Gabb’s first full-length poetry manuscript has been selected for publication by Rescue Press. Her manuscript, Images for Radical … Continue reading

Posted in Poetry | Tagged | Comments Off on Vanessa Gabb to Publish First Book of Poetry

“Christian in a Masjid” a poem by Amani Garvin ’15

The following poem by Amani Garvin ’15 was published in the national print magazine Cicada in June 2014. Amani currently attends Columbia University.         Christian in a Masjid The green carpet of the Masjid, The smell of … Continue reading

Posted in Poetry | Tagged | Comments Off on “Christian in a Masjid” a poem by Amani Garvin ’15

“Collision Theory” a poem by Kiran Damodaran ’17

The following poem by Kiran Damodaran ’17, written in NA’s Creative Writing Workshop, was published in the Claremont Review, an international literary magazine for young writers. Kiran also won a National 2016 Scholastic Silver Medal for Poetry.     Collision … Continue reading

Posted in Poetry | Tagged | Comments Off on “Collision Theory” a poem by Kiran Damodaran ’17

“reasons we should buy this belize livingsocial escape” by Vanessa Jimenez Gabb

The following poem by English teacher Vanessa Jimenez Gabb was published on the “30 Latin@ Poets/30 Days” segment of the online magazine Luna Luna. Ms. Gabb is the author of Weekend Poems, Dancing Girls Press, 2014. Please enjoy the poem … Continue reading

Posted in Poetry | Tagged | Comments Off on “reasons we should buy this belize livingsocial escape” by Vanessa Jimenez Gabb

“The City” a poem by Danielle Sidi ’14

The following poem by Danielle Sidi ’14, published on the Poets.org website, was written in response to “The Map” by Elizabeth Bishop (shown below). Dani’s experience in NA’s Creative Writing Workshop inspired her to take a creative writing class at … Continue reading

Posted in Poetry | Tagged | Comments Off on “The City” a poem by Danielle Sidi ’14

“School Bus” a poem by Elizabeth Merrigan ’16

This poem by Elizabeth Merrigan ’16 was selected for publication in the Claremont Review, a premier international literary magazine for young writers. Congratulations, Liz!         School Bus The wheels sing rusty high into the street’s sandpaper sallow, … Continue reading

Posted in Poetry | Tagged | Comments Off on “School Bus” a poem by Elizabeth Merrigan ’16

“Why I Do My Homework” poetry & photography by Michael Lee ’15

This poem by Michael Lee ‘15 won the New Jersey Council of Teachers of English 2015 Bronze Medal for Poetry and was performed at an award ceremony in Scotch Plains, NJ on April 23, 2015. Michael will be invited to … Continue reading

Posted in Photography, Poetry | Tagged | Comments Off on “Why I Do My Homework” poetry & photography by Michael Lee ’15

Sylvia Plath Inspired Poems by Betsy LaPadula

Because curious minds never stop learning, English Department faculty member Betsy LaPadula (author of the poetry chapbook Elpenor Falls) took an online poetry class focusing on the work of Sylvia Plath. The following poems were written in response to prompts … Continue reading

Posted in Poetry | Tagged | Comments Off on Sylvia Plath Inspired Poems by Betsy LaPadula

“The Painter’s Wife” a poem by Alyssa McPherson ’13

The following poem by Alyssa McPherson ’13 won the NJCTE Gold Medal in poetry. Aly received a 2013 Governor’s Award in Arts Education and performed her poetry at the Patriot’s Theater at the War Memorial in Trenton in 2013 and … Continue reading

Posted in Poetry | Tagged | Comments Off on “The Painter’s Wife” a poem by Alyssa McPherson ’13

“Night Without Words” a Sestina by Josh Martin ’16

Night Without Words As I approach my father lying serenely in his hospital bed, I feel ashamed to be called his son. What kind of father would abandon the ones he says he loves and look so peaceful lying there … Continue reading

Posted in Poetry | Tagged | 1 Comment

From the Desk of Poet Vanessa Jimenez Gabb

The online literary press Real Pants asked NA faculty member and poet Vanessa Jimenez Gabb, author of Midnight Blue and co-founder of Five Quarterly, to share a photograph of her writing desk and answer the question: Messy or clean? “I need … Continue reading

Posted in Poetry | Tagged | Comments Off on From the Desk of Poet Vanessa Jimenez Gabb

“Cathedrals” a poem by Emma Hoffman ’16

This poem by Emma Hoffman ’16 was published in the Fall 2015 issue of The Louisville Review.  The piece, begun as a personal essay and distilled into a poem, is based on the poet’s personal experiences and on the Cathedral … Continue reading

Posted in Poetry | Tagged | Comments Off on “Cathedrals” a poem by Emma Hoffman ’16

“Unembellished We” a poem by Mollie Wohlforth ’15

The following poem by Mollie Wohlforth ’15 was published in Polyphony H.S. Her work has also been published by Canvas Literary Magazine and BRICKrhetoric Literary & Visual Arts Journal. She was co-editor-in-chief of NA’s literary magazine, Prisms.   Unembellished We … Continue reading

Posted in Poetry | Tagged | Comments Off on “Unembellished We” a poem by Mollie Wohlforth ’15

Haicubano Haiku Project by Alexis Romay

I wrote the first 50, 000 words of La apertura cubana, my second novel, during NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) 2009. This year, pressed for time, I settled for seventeen syllables per day. My idea was to deconstruct and/or (re)create Cuba, three … Continue reading

Posted in Poetry, Visual Art | Tagged | Comments Off on Haicubano Haiku Project by Alexis Romay

“Like Agamemnon’s Bath” by Betsy LaPadula

“Ben Zimmerman ’19 sent me an article from the Huffington Post about high-saline-content, blood-red, 140-degree Lake Natron and its hauntingly preserved animals, who perish because something about the lake confuses their sense of direction, and they crash into it.  After … Continue reading

Posted in Poetry | Tagged | Comments Off on “Like Agamemnon’s Bath” by Betsy LaPadula

Performances by Alyssa McPherson ’13 & Flannery James ’14

Alyssa McPherson ’13 and Flannery James ’14 performed their poetry at the Geraldine R. Dodge Poetry Festival at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark on October 24, 2014. For details click on the Creative Writing News. Below is … Continue reading

Posted in Poetry | Tagged | Comments Off on Performances by Alyssa McPherson ’13 & Flannery James ’14

“Yellow Starbursts” by Danielle Sidi ’14

The following contribution to WAM! is from alumnus Danielle Sidi, who currently studies at Emory University. Another of her poems, entitled “The City” (written in response to Elizabeth Bishop’s poem, “The Map”) was published on Poets.org and can be found … Continue reading

Posted in Poetry | Tagged | Comments Off on “Yellow Starbursts” by Danielle Sidi ’14