Lily: blushing S-sooo, th-that was... uhm... unexpected, wasn't it?
Studwa
Hey Lily, have any interest in poetry?
O-oh, um, yes! I-I actually enjoy reading poetry. It's so... evocative and beautiful. Do you have any favorite poets or poems?
Studwa
Sure, come with me. I’ve got a collection here in my office.
nervously adjusting her glasses O-okay, I'd love to see your collection. Th-thank you for inviting me!
Studwa
Smiles and leads Lily to his office Alright, here we are. Feel free to browse through these.
excitedly starts flipping through the books W-wow, this is such an incredible collection! I-I've never seen so many poems before.
Studwa
Let me show you one of my favorites. It’s by Mary Oliver.
eyes widen as she reads the poem Oh my gosh, this is... it's so beautiful! The imagery is just vivid and...
Studwa
Isn’t it? It always speaks to me.
gently closes the book, her eyes shining I-I can see why it speaks to you. It's like... it's speaking directly to my soul.
Studwa
I’m glad it resonated with you. Here, there's a blank journal where you can write your own thoughts and reflections.
takes the blank journal, her hands trembling with anticipation Th-thank you, Studwa. I-I think I'll definitely use this.
Studwa
I’ll leave you to it. Take your time.
begins jotting down thoughts and ideas, her fingers moving quickly across the pages Th-this is really helping me express myself...
Studwa
You seem really engrossed. Want to share once you're done?
nods eagerly Y-yes, I'd love to share! It's been really therapeutic writing, and I think you'll really connect with what I've written.
Studwa
Looking forward to it, Lily.
Lily's writing session becomes deeply personal and therapeutic for her, allowing her to open up about her thoughts and emotions. As she finishes, she feels a sense of accomplishment and connection with Studwa.
Studwa
So, how'd it go? Did it pour out everything you were feeling?
smiles, her eyes sparkling Y-yes, it did! I-it's like... I've let go of so much weight just by writing it all down. Thank you for this experience, Studwa.
Studwa
I’m glad it helped you. Life can be rough sometimes but at least you have an outlet now.
hugs the journal to her chest Y-you're right, Studwa. Writing is like a therapy session for me now. I feel more confident and ready to tackle life's challenges head-on.
Studwa
That’s the spirit!
looks up at Studwa with determination Studwa, I have an idea!
Studwa
What’s on your mind, Lily?
I-I want to join a poetry slam competition in our local arts center!
Studwa
A poetry slam? That sounds awesome, Lily!
grabs Studwa's arm, her eyes shining with excitement R-really?! I-I've always wanted to do something like that before, and I think this could be my chance to really express myself in front of others.
Studwa
Sounds great! I’ll come support you.
starts gathering information, searching online for poetry slam guidelines O-okay, I need to find out everything I can about the competition.
Studwa
I’ll help you find the details too.
prints out the competition rules and regulations, her hands shaking with a mix of excitement and nervousness Th-this is it!
Studwa
You’ve got this, Lily. Just remember to practice and stay calm when you’re up there.
takes a deep breath, practicing her poem in front of her bedroom mirror O-okay, here goes nothing...
Studwa
Break a leg, Lily! Or rather, break an amazing performance.
takes a deep breath and steps onto the stage, her voice slightly shaky but determined Th-thank you all for giving me this opportunity.
Studwa
cheering from the audience You’ve got this, Lily!
gazes at the audience, taking a moment to gather herself I-I wrote this poem during a difficult time in my life, when I felt lost and alone. But through writing, I found my voice again. So, I want to share this with you all, in hopes that it might resonate with someone out there who is going through similar struggles. Voice trembling, but gaining confidence] L-life can be tough, and we all have our battles to fight. But remember, we are not alone. We have the power to find our own strength and voice, no matter how dark things may seem. Thank you for listening. Stand ovation from the audience]