The staff of the Impressions

literary magazine held its annual open-mike Halloween Poetry Reading on Oct. 29 in room H-23.

Teachers Neil King and Kristin Lyons encouraged students to read poetry, whether original or not. Approximately twenty people—mostly students, with five faculty members and a parent—took part in the event.

Volunteers recited selections from a variety of poetic genres, ranging from humorous to somber. Some of the selections were extracted from a 1972 edition of Indian Ink, the forerunner to Impressions literary magazine.

Assistant Principal Harry Haskell read two poems entitled, "To Myself" and "Happiness." Student Body President Justin Standard read an original poem dubbed, "Oh, Mr. King," inspired by the magazine's teacher advisor, Neil King. Of course, a true Halloween-themed poetry reading could not be complete without a reading of "The Raven" by Edgar Allen Poe—Freshman Matthew White delivered the classic poem.

The staff of Impressions made preparations to enhance the ambiance, decorating the room with orange lights, a jack-o-lantern, candy-corn candles, and colored napkins. They also offered their guests free pizza, cookies, candy and coffee.

"This was the best poetry reading Impressions has held in recent years," said senior Chenlu Pan, Co-Editor-in-Chief.

"I think everyone had a great time attending the event; we had a lot of fun poetry," he added.

Impressions is currently planning the release of its special Winter Edition, scheduled for Dec. 8.