By Shayalanni S.

What if a few lines on a page could tell someone’s entire story?

That was the question explored in my Mount Tahoma TV segment, where students shared original poems and explained the meaning behind their writing. From friendship and family to identity and personal growth, each poem revealed a different piece of the writer’s life.

One poem, “No DNA” by Jay Charpentier, challenges the idea that family is only defined by blood. Through memories of music, sports, video games, and shared experiences, the poem celebrates a friendship so strong that it feels like brotherhood. The poem ends with a simple but powerful message: “Family is what you make it.”

Another student, Anthony Garcia Savage, used flowers as symbols in his poem “One in a Million.” The poem compares a red flower and a blue flower, exploring themes of strength, self-worth, and the pressure to change for others. Through vivid imagery, the poem asks readers to think about what it means to grow for yourself instead of growing to meet someone else’s expectations.

A third poem, “At the Edge,” tells a deeply personal story about friendship, isolation, regret, and finding hope during difficult times. The poem reflects on growing up, losing connections, and struggling with self-doubt before ending with a reminder that support and compassion can help someone find their way forward.

Although the poems were very different, they all shared one thing: honesty. Each writer used poetry to express emotions and experiences that can be difficult to talk about in everyday conversations.

At Mount Tahoma, students come from many cultures, backgrounds, and life experiences. Poetry gives students a chance to share their voices while helping others understand perspectives different from their own. It encourages creativity, empathy, courage, and respect—values that help strengthen our school community.

These poems remind us that poetry is more than an assignment. It is a way to tell stories, build connections, and show others who we are. Behind every poem is a person, and behind every person is a story worth hearing.

Read more stories from The Tower