NORA RYAN ’25 ABINGTON,

Ma

As a poet, words and phrases are my paint and the way I compose and juxtapose them are the brush strokes that compose the finished original work. My identity as a poet is rooted in extended metaphors with supporting alliteration to make the words flow smoothly but also succinctly. When thinking about venturing into a new medium, turning poetry into prose felt like a natural extension of my artistic style. For my sophomore presentation, I will be exploring themes of familial and societal factors that derive a personal perception in the medium of writing a short story. My project is inspired by themes prevalent in the lives of many that I have just briefly touched upon in my poetry. In shifting my artwork to a longer forum, I hope to explore important metaphors and meanings in a more profound way.

Dining Room Drama Club (excerpt)

By Nora Ryan

My mother always said “The dinner table is practice for the real world” So we sure did have many and many of test runs The polished brown four-sided figure stage hosted dress rehearsals over roasted chicken The silverware spoon props placed beside us As the mahogany stage switches from scene to scene

One night, I am seated at Presidential Cabinet meeting My family of four discusses our respective duties On how to see our small nation create strives At the end of the cul de sac

Another night, I am at a support group A somber and sympathetic tone settles over I listen to my sister speak on high school hardships We chew quietly, allowing her to air out her frustrations Over fake friends and spreading falsities

Every night, the curtain closes. The scene dwindling down to its final sentences indicated by the unmasking of our plates’ floral design We place our props side by side in the dishwasher And go our separate ways to work our second jobs Tasked with Calculus problems or loads of laundry Yet no matter how busy or bustling my cast is, We return to our brown polished stage every night As our primary responsibility will always lie in supporting one another, no matter what life sets out in the script