Each Friday, you may notice a strange phenomenon among juniors and seniors. They seem restless as the end of second period approaches. Their computers are plugged in even when the class in question doesn’t call for the Internet. None seem concerned about buying a muffin during break.

And when the bell rings, they rival an Olympic runner for speed as they exit the classroom. You have just witnessed the anticipation of Poetry Friday.

For some years now, literary-minded upperclassmen have gathered in Ms. Handelsman’s room during break on Fridays. Those who love verse pull up a chair, grab some homemade brownies (supplied by the aforementioned saintly English teacher), and get ready for some serious analysis. Or, occasionally, they sit in confused silence, throwing out tentative stabs at a poem’s meaning.

But generally the air is filled with chatter, each amateur analyst trying to make his or her opinion heard. It’s sometimes difficult for Ms. Handelsman to quiet fifteen students so that one can speak. From Billy Collins to Edna St. Vincent Millay, there is no poet that escapes the insights of BGA’s poetry enthusiasts. A group recently went to hear the former read his work live, an experience which heightened their appreciation for his work.

As the club’s fame spreads, some members have expressed concern that others will try to take advantage of the delicious baked goods. However, such has not been the case; more poetry lovers have been attracted, but no opportunists. If any readers have taken it into their heads to be the first, this writer would strongly suggest otherwise- poetry analysis is not for the faint of heart.

If you could pick apart metaphors by the hour; if unusual meters make your heart sing; if you’re a walking repository of cultural context and poets’ biographies, then come by next Friday. You too can nourish your body with pumpkin bread and your soul with verse.

“Come for the food, stay for the poetry.” So runs one suggested motto of the Poetry Club. But a more accurate one would read, “Come for the poetry, stay for the same.”