As the morning sunlight filtered into the library on February 14, students dressed in red trickled in to listen to and share some Valentines’ Day poetry. Chocolate and other sweets made the rounds as students and teachers settled into the comfy chairs and looked around for the brave soul who would speak first. It turned out to be Upper School English teacher and department chair Rachel Eisler, with an ode to her Baby Giant Panda and a nod to Ogden Nash.

Students then came up individually, as pairs, and as groups of five, to read famous works or share personal words. The group heard poems from Shel Silverstein and Virgil, poems about stolen plums, shoes, and a candy-laden ode to a sweetheart. The theme of love was not always evident, but the enjoyment of the listeners and the enthusiasm of the readers were easy to spot. It was a good way to show a love of literature and to celebrate the day!