Dale Crowley

Dale Crowley kicked off The Reflector’s open mic on Feb. 17 with his poem “For What It’s Worth.” The poem took to the theme of love by intertwining lyrics from classic love songs with his own words. 

He originally planned on only reading a compilation of a few lines from popular love songs in order to support the organization's event, according to Crowley. However, after sitting down he ended up writing a bit of his own as well — just putting to paper what he felt in the moment. Crowley shared sweet words about his wife, turning her knitting hobby into a metaphor for their connection.

“She [Carol Crowley, his wife] is the inspiration for everything, really.” he explained. “It’s true.” The Crowley’s celebrated their 25th anniversary just recently before the event, according to Carol Crowley.

Crowley will be graduating in May 2022 from Shippensburg University.

Jennica Pearson

Jennica Pearson read two of her poems at the open mic. Her second poem “Cheers to Dumb Bitches” was seemingly a celebration of the power of girls just doing what they love. 

The poem’s purpose was to give more permission to girls to be and act dumb if they so choose, Pearson explained.

Pearson created the poem after a long period of time in which she was feeling “weak and dumb.” Her words turn this feeling of hopelessness into celebration, inviting girls to go out and have fun despite it all.

Lonna June

Toward the end of the event, Lonna June read her poem “Fallin/You.” The poem was originally written and published on the app Wattpad when June was in middle school, though she explained that it has been heavily edited since then.

June’s original version of the poem was about the girl that she was in love with at the time, yet over the years she realized that the girl treated her badly and began rewriting. 

“Now, it is about the people who brought me back up,” June said. The poem read during the open mic became a rendition to thank those who she loved now — friends and family.

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