The Literary Arts Second Reading of 2024-25

The literary arts reading took place on November 13th in the Vanderbilt bookstore 

hosted by Tsurah Waire, with special guest Melody Dalili. Dalili appeared in  

literary arts classes to teach them about poetry and other types of writing. She was this 

year's Youth Poet Laureate and is currently a biology student at UNC Chapel Hill- she also has a deep love for sharks. At the reading, Dalili provided a welcoming environment and read a few of her own pieces.  

The first reader of the night was sophomore Gravity Bowen. She performed a 

small piece that was taken from a narrative. Next was Maxxine Gibbs, a 

senior, who read a poem about her biological mother. Her poem was titled “I’m  

Still Waiting on the Porch.” Next was senior Kristen Watson, who read a piece dedicated 

toward her family members, snacks, her first dog, and her current dog. Kristen noted that she would like it if you kissed your pets when you are home.  

After Kristen’s poem, the next reader was junior Magnolia Lindsey. She sang at the reading, 

and is a songwriter who is in both guitar and literary arts conservatories. Next was freshman Thayer Parsley, and she read her piece titled “Feathers.” She was very excited 

to read that night alongside everyone else. The next reader was Kai Shamim, a sophomore  

this year. Kai read an excerpt of her story called “Lola.” 

Next was Piper Clement, a sophomore, who has been performing her works for a 

little while and has earned writing awards from past teachers. Piper’s poem, “The 

Boondocks in the City,” is about her childhood. The next performer was Taylor who is a 

singer/songwriter. She has multiple songs on all streaming platforms under the name of 

Wallflower. The last reader of the night was Tsurah Waire. She is a senior this year and her 

poem discussed her identity as a black individual.

The literary arts reading was truly incredible to watch in person, and everyone 

should at least make it to one reading. Each performer did great, and special thanks to  

Melody Dalili for teaching the literary artists and reading a few poems at the beginning of the reading. The next reading won’t be until the third quarter and if you’re available to go you certainly should!