Poetry reveals different perspectives of the world and of the writer. The Salmon Creek Journal hosted an open-mic poetry event titled, “Masks,” in late October where VanCougs were able to present their work and explain their inspiration.
“It’s kind of a double theme. It’s playing off our journal’s theme of ‘identity’… We also thought it would be fun to play off of Halloween and actually wear physical masks,” said Mallory Hobson, a junior digital technology and culture major and poetry editor of the Salmon Creek Journal.
Hobson shared her thoughts on how Salmon Creek Journal’s open mic would impact students on campus by giving them a platform to share their voice and impact other students.
“I think what’s important about poetry and other campus events is not only the fact that it’s leading so many different voices to come to the table, but that you might hear a voice that you didn’t realize is so close to your own,” Hobson said.
Senior english major Halley Ware shared her poem titled, “Miss Him,” about Paul McCartney dying in 1966 and being replaced by a double.
Ware said she started writing poetry at the end of last year. She offered insight into her writing process and how she gets inspiration for her poetry.
“Usually I get an idea when I’m driving because I commute [to WSU Vancouver]. Or it can happen right when I’m about to fall asleep … I just recite it in my head because it’s usually like a line or something and then I turn it into a full poem,” Ware said.
Hobson hopes that events like these will provide students, who may be nervous about their writing, an opportunity to make connections with other students through art and writing.
“I think a big part of poetry is that it’s very personal. It’s more writing about your own experiences and emotions,” Hobson said.
She hoped the theme of masks and identities would get students outside their comfort zone and help them, “maybe make connections with other people who’ve had the same experience[s].”
Senior english major Randal Houle and editor-in-chief of the Salmon Creek Journal explained the purpose of these events and how they apply to the journal.
“The one product that we have to produce is the journal. That’s number one. Number two is … events throughout the year where students get to access and be apart of it,” Houle said. “It’s just providing students a platform to explore poetry.”
The Salmon Creek Journal, themed “identity,” will be released next April with artwork, including photos, drawings, poetry and other forms of art from students and community members.
Emily is a senior studying integrated strategic communication at WSU Vancouver.