Kevin Coval, the “New voice of Chicago,” according to the Chicago Tribune, and “a new, glowing voice in the world of literature,” by the late, great Studs Terkel, performed poetry from his new book, L-VIS Lives: Racemusic Poems, to several hundred students in the auditorium today.
Senior Divya Kirti (on left, photo by senior Taylor Wilder of the Advocate staff) served as emcee of the event, which also included poetry readings from several Central students, which were written (in almost all cases) in a poetry workshop that Coval ran for English 2 Honors courses last Thursday in the Community Room.
Between poems, Coval (on right, photo by Taylor Wilder), who was part of a Character Counts! presentation five years ago, spoke to students about writing and self-expression. I was excited to see how many male students took an active role in the reading, answering questions, asking questions, and -- at the end of the performance -- swarming around Coval at the stage like he was a pro athlete. Poetry lives!
In answer to a question from the audience, Coval gave three pieces of advice for aspiring writers: First, be excellent at your craft. You become excellent only by steady and focused practice. Second, be part of the community of writers. Join a group, give and get feedback. Third, don't stay hidden on a mountain, waiting to be discovered. Share your work. Be heard.
Kirti, shown above wearing her new Homecoming Court sash while performing an original poem, invited students to join HC's poetry club and spoke movingly about the importance of writing and poetry in self-expression and self-exploration. She said, "It's never a bad idea to explore yourself via pen and paper.... Poetry is a way for kids to explore themselves and explore language."
Find out more about Coval at his website here.
Thanks to Taylor Wilder for these great photographs.
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