By Mary O’KEEFE

The name Lori Bodnar will be familiar to CVW readers because of the many stories that have appeared in the paper with her byline. She has covered a variety of stories for the publication and with every article has honed her professional talent. What many of our readers may not know is she is a senior at Crescenta Valley High School and, in addition to being a journalist, is also a poet. She recently released her first book of poetry titled “Deep Thoughts.”

These collections of poems gives readers a glimpse into the world of a teen and, for me at least, reminded me how out-of-step one can feel during these years that bridge child and adult.

Below is an example of the poetry found in her book:

How?

How do the lost get found?

How do we find ourselves?

I just need some help

To realize what I should do

I have tried so hard to be who I want to be

But the world isn’t what it seems

I don’t know who I should be

I need to find myself

I need to find myself

How do the lost get found?

Her love of poetry started in sixth grade when her teacher introduced her to haiku.

“That propelled my passion for poetry,” she said.

And she is a prolific writer. In 2017 she wrote 370 poems. She has many that she keeps just for herself and chose 21 works for her book.

“I looked at the ones that talk about raw emotions and complexity,” she said. “I wanted [my poetry] to speak to other teens.”

The poetry in her book is unapologetic, and the reader doesn’t get the sense she is trying to give advice. It is just her honest thoughts, which is truly refreshing.

“I do share my poems with my family, but I do have some that I keep to myself,” she added. “My mom has been very supportive of poetry.”

Bodnar does appreciate the support from her entire family for her love of writing. In addition to her poetry she is working on a fantasy-style novel.

She has yet to decide what college she will be attending but plans to major in English and wants to be an author and an English teacher.

Her book, “Deep Thoughts” by Lori Bodnar is available on Amazon.