Poem by Kylie Byers '23 Selected for Publication by American Library of Poetry

Dr. Joseph Bonk, Department of English Chairperson at Mount Saint Mary Academy in Watchung, reported that senior Kylie Byers '23 is slated to have her poem, “Progression,” published in The American Library of Poetry.

 

Kylie said, “I wrote ‘Progression’ as an ode to overcoming things and pushing through life when you feel it is impossible. I think we all have felt this way more than once in our life and I want this to bring hope to anyone who feels hope is out of reach.”

 

“When I submitted ‘Progression’ back in late April, I really didn’t have high hopes of being selected for anything,” she shared. “I was extremely shocked to even be considered for the publication. I was truly thrilled and honored to accept.”

Dr. Bonk stated, "Kylie's perceiving that people are in need of hope -- and then producing a poem intended to meet that need--aligns her with both the spirit of Mountie Service and with what the French deemed littérature engagée--the idea that a literary artist's role is often to engage society on topics she feels are important (in Kylie's case, it's the importance of hope), rather than producing art as an end unto itself. Congratulations, Kylie! You've certainly made MSMA proud."

At Mount Saint Mary Academy, Kylie is involved in the Women’s Empowerment Club and Yearbook committee. Outside of school, she volunteers at her church and a local pet shelter.