COMMACK SCHOOLS

Eighth graders in Sue Buhler’s English class channeled their inner Maya Angelou and Walt Whitman early Thursday morning before a capacity crowd in CMS’ Little Theatre.

The students recited self-written poetry from the stage, and supporters snapped their fingers in approval at the end of each reading.

The eighth graders each presented two poems from among 12 topics. Those subjects included, “If I were in charge of the world,” and a biographic poem.

The students gained confidence in public speaking while also flashing their poetry skills.

The audience included teachers and other staff members specifically invited by the students.

At the end of the reading, the invitees wrote notes to each poet, expressing appreciation for their work.

Among the memorable lines:

If I were in charge of the world,
I’d cancel school mornings.
I’d cancel pickles in burgers
I’d even cancel tomatoes