Brodie Mattingly’s poem “Jerry, the Completely Normal Guy” was a hit at the CHS Writers’ Circle April meeting. Judging is blind — meaning judges do not know who wrote each poem while voting. Students were invited to interpret the theme of “Spring” in any way, and both winners this month made interesting use of this simple word.
According to Brodie, “by the time anyone’s reading this I’ll be 16 — I lived in Chester my whole life, and I love Coca-Cola.” Brodie has been in Miss Hodge’s Creative Writing elective this year, and has been writing short stories and poems quite prolifically. Brodie was also a regional contestant at the Poetry Out Loud performance competition in Carbondale, Illinois.
Jerry, the completely normal guy
My best friend is named Jerry
He is notably NOT 40 springs in the approximate shape of a person
He always bounces back from adversity
NOT because he is made out of 40 springs in the approximate shape of a person
He’s the most flexible person I’ver met
Although, however much you imagine that’s what your seeing, it is NOT because he is 40 springs in the approximate shape of a person
And, for the last and final time, he is NOT 40 springs in the approximate shape of a person.
Students, staff, and alumni are invited to enter the Writers’ Circle Poem of the Month final competition of the 2024-2025 school year.
Use this link to access the Google Form:
Poems are due May 5!