Some people take a while to find their natural talent. Some find it in college. Some after years of working. But a lucky few find it when they are young, and that is just the case for young Lacey Tabak. In sixth grade, Lacey began writing poetry and soon realize how much she loved it. Ever since then poetry has been a part of her life, now more than ever.
In September, Lacey’s freshman English teacher Ms. Kliederien at Ellicottville High School read one of her poems and suggested that she submit her work to Teen Ink Magazine Online, so in late September Lacey submitted her first poem. And in just four months Lacey has submitted over 10 poems.
“It’s really cool and I like doing it and like seeing what other people think,” Lacey said. “If they read it they can post a comment on it and rate it out of 5 … It’s good to see what other say.”
Over the years Lacey says her poems have developed and changed.
“They were sort of childish then (in sixth grade),” she said. “I can more express myself now in my poems and say what I’m really feeling instead of little sketches of what I’m feeling.” Lacey writes about her own life experiences and how she feels about it all. All of her poems have an emotional pull to them and because of that she doesn’t attempt to write about what others are going through or what she hears about others.
“I don’t know exactly how they feel but I do know how I feel,” Lacey said.
The style of Lacey’s poems differs depending on what mood she is in when she writes them. As she shares most of her poetry, she does keep some to herself. However, with the support of her family and friends she feels more at ease to share her work with others.
“It just makes me happy!” she said. As of write now, Teen Ink Magazine is the only place Lacey posts her work, but she does say that if other outlets were to want her work she would definitely be interested.
Lacey has also attempted to write in other forms such as articles, but her heart still belongs to poems for now.
“I’m in love with poetry and I’ve been really thinking about going to college for it,” she said. “I haven’t really looked at schools right now. I’m just focusing on the poetry.”
Lacey is currently involved in ESPRA, a reading/ writing club, at school to further express herself.
“When I’m writing I get the feeling that I’m doing something for myself and it’s pushing me forward,” she said. “It makes me feel better about myself.” Lacey plans on continuing to write poems and publish them on Teen Ink. To check out some of Lacey’s poems, visit teenink.com/poetry.
