Social Work student repeats in national poetry contest

Last year, a poem by recent CSC social work graduate Kelli May Wilson of Elm Springs, South Dakota, was also selected.

Lower said she has always enjoyed writing so when social work faculty member Rich Kenney first mentioned the contest last year, she entered and then decided to submit a poem again this year.

“I think writing is relaxing and a creative outlet to share a different perspective or to get others thinking. I think it provides an outlet for people who may not prefer or be ready to verbalize some of the things they are dealing with. I think it can provide a useful communication tool between a client and a therapist. I think it is also significant for self-reflection,” Lower said.

She feels that the CSC social work program has strengthened her belief in writing as an effective tool to help others.

The University of Iowa School of Social Work sponsors the national contest which is only open to students, alumni and faculty from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Winning entries are published in a chapbook and also on the UI website. Lower’s entry, below, appears on page 11 of the online version.

 

His New Home

by Stormy Lower

His little heart pounds as they walk to the door - a large oak

Swings at the turn of a bolt;

Warm wet kisses; cheerful greetings from a floppy-eared dog

Inside is a family just for him

Embraced by her warm smile, the moment she glanced his

way--

A young soul searches to find courage; to know love

Suddenly realizing this is what he’s always wanted – tangled

emotion erupts.

Through wet eyes he ponders: How do you tell your feet not

to run?