William Otis Smith Prize for English Verse

By Carey Huang Class of 2025

Editor’s Note: The Otis Smith Prize is given in memory of a member of the Class of 1907 and is awarded to that student who, in the judgment of the English Department, submits the most outstanding original verse/poetry written during the academic year.

confetti doesn’t file reports

the coffee—screams sweetly

(it’s the only one 

that tells me the 

Truth)

walls flicker in their neon tutus

and call me by the wrong name

— again.

i tapdance

on keys that pretend

to make meaning.

can work save the whales

(or at least teach them

to

juggle?)

the air hiccups with delight

(it remembers when i used to laugh

before the printer memorized my password)

i inhale a stapler,

exhale confetti —

celebrating. 

still — 

existing.

i throw the window shut

(not because i want to stay but)

because tuesday

just moonwalked past me

without saying hello 

(I hate him).