Author of Inauguration Poem Finds New Confidence in Writing

Prayer Childress had largely given up writing poetry as a pastime when she registered for a creative writing course during her sophomore year.

But here, Childress found her creative voice again — which, in turn, led to a rare opportunity.

Childress, a senior who is preparing to receive a bachelor’s degree in psychology, was invited to write a poem for the April 7 inauguration of Dominican University’s 11th president, Dr. Glena Temple.

It was Childress’ former Introduction to Creative Writing professor, Dr. Maggie Andersen, who put her name forward for the honor.

“I was very shocked because Professor Andersen works with so many people on campus who are writers,” Childress, of Oak Park, recalled. “I was like, ‘Out of all those people you want me? I’m not even an English major!’ But it was very meaningful that she instilled trust into me. It was a big deal and a momentous event that I got to participate in.”

Andersen said she felt Childress was the right person to pen the inaugural verse based on the talent and understanding of poetry she had shown in class. In one poem, which was published in Dominican’s student literary magazine, Stella Veritatis, Childress told a story of her brother, a musician, through images of musical instruments.

“She has a sophisticated understanding of the power of image and the power of language,” Andersen explained. “She’s a natural poet.”

With a fair amount of freedom given to her, Childress drew inspiration for the inauguration poem from her own experiences at Dominican and those of classmates.

“I had time to think about how Dominican makes me feel, how my friends and classmates all speak about the school,” she shared. “I definitely think we all reflect the same appreciation for the school and the people here; we see how much the professors and faculty members care. So, I was thinking about that and the position of president and I tied it all into being a community. We’re changing who our leader is, but that doesn’t change what Dominican is.”

The end result was a free verse, untitled poem with imagery of the university as “a fearless and beautiful creature/born from the breath of the Sinsinawa Sisters,” and its graduates depicted as “thousands of diamonds.”

After some revisions, the poem was ready and recited by Childress herself during the April 7 inauguration ceremony. Stepping on stage, the sight of the packed Lund Auditorium produced the first pangs of fear.

“I was very, very nervous,” Childress admitted. “But I used to do musical theater when I was little, so I went into that mode: To give the best performance and not think about what you’re doing.”

Since the inauguration, Childress said she has received positive feedback from many faculty members, some asking for a copy of the poem.

“I’m my toughest critic, and it’s easy to downplay things I do, especially when it comes to more creative things, like writing and poetry,” she said. “Just seeing people react so positively to something I created on my own meant a lot to me and gave me a lot of confidence to believe in myself when it comes to creative expression.”

Childress started writing as a child and dabbled in poems exploring love and relationship themes while a student at Oak Park-River Forest High School. But she hesitated when it came to sharing her work and ultimately put any creative pursuits on the shelf as she entered college and turned her focus to science and psychology.

Still, when her eyes landed on a creative writing course while registering for the spring semester of her sophomore year, Childress decided to give it a try.

“I had taken a lot of heavy science courses that year and I wanted a break in my schedule to be more creative,” she explained. “It ended up being one of my favorite classes. Just seeing Professor Andersen’s love for writing — especially poetry — lit that fire under me and made me appreciate how much I love it as well.”

The positive reception of Childress’ inauguration poem is exciting for Andersen, too, who hopes it underscores the importance of the creative arts.

“I think we’re in a dangerous moment where the arts are often being defunded, and I think her poem in the context of the inauguration reminded our community of the power of poetry,” Andersen said.

In addition to publishing the annual student literary magazine, Stella Veritatis, the Department of English offers three courses with a focus on writing poetry and has showcased student work during the (G)URSCI and Experiential Learning Expo.

“Poetry is not only a way to litter the world with beauty, but it’s also a way to unite people across generations,” Andersen said. “I think poetry accommodates an emotional and psychological complexity that is really important if we want to be compassionate to other humans.”

While Childress is considering graduate school and a career as a licensed therapist, she admits that the reception of her inauguration poem has left her inspired to continue writing.

“Having the support of everybody from Dominican saying, ‘You’re good at this’ has given me a lot more confidence to explore the things I could do in poetry and writing,” she said.

 

Inauguration Poem By Prayer Childress

 

As we trudge through the snow on a cold winter day,

bright red circles splatter our cheeks and noses

and crystals of salt carve homes in our boots.

We can’t imagine walking these same trails with warm sun rays

or blooming flowers

yet here we are in all of our spring glory.

 

Life is funny that way.

With every new chapter we turn,

the adventures to come fill our minds with wonder.

What will we find

and who will we be?

But I know this story well.

 

Dominican, the fearless and beautiful creature

born from the breath of the Sinsinawa Sisters.

The light from the brightest stars,

enveloped in an armor of ivy,

ready to nourish those who enter

through the woodsy portal.

Four years of nurture and care

to spit back out thousands

of diamonds

into the world.

 

A marvel like this can only have a commander in chief

with the same power

and love.

A kindred soul

to the ones who came before her,

leading with service and truth,

pumping ambition

into the heart of our home

while continuing to create

space

for those around her to excel beyond our wildest dreams.

 

As we exchange hands,

our community feels the layers of our cocoon cracking

like a stained glass window

on a holy Sunday morning.

We stretch our newborn wings,

feel gusts of air beneath us,

propelling us to unknown

undiscovered

Greatness.