Lombard poets share works during jazzy afternoon

They dressed the part as artistic types in dark clothing and read their works aloud with passion and style, but these young students shed the secrecy of their writing efforts when the Anonymous Poets Society went public.

During a recent afternoon poetry reading and jazz slam at Hammerschmidt Elementary School's library in Lombard, which was dimly lit for the occasion, about 75 students whose teachers helped them form the society gave poetic performances to their peers.

The book "Love that Dog" guided the fourth-grade students in their exploration of structured and self-reflective poetry during the early part of the school year, under the tutelage of teachers Emily Drafata, Morgan Dowell, Kim Lynch, Chris Prohaska, Kelly Summers, Julie Syperek and Anna Traficanti.

Each student was expected to write a poem inspired by a famous poet to share during the Anonymous Poets Society's event.

Along with the readings, Lombard Elementary District 44 band and orchestra teachers added their talents to give the gathering its jazzy feel.