On Monday, March 24, students in Ms. Etheridge’s AP English Literature class at Ward Melville High School received an unexpected yet enriching opportunity: a live Zoom session with award-winning poet Karl Knights. Knights, a recipient of the 2021 New Poets Prize, joined the class to read his poem, “The Difference Between a Dog and a Biscuit Tin,” and engage in a Q&A session with students.

The visit coincided with the class’s poetry unit, where students analyze and present poems of their choice. Seniors Agata Arkhipkina and Madison Calvanese selected Knights’ work after discovering it on the Poetry Foundation website. Struck by its nostalgic tone, Agata reached out to the poet, who generously agreed to speak with the class.

Knights’ poem, which explores his experience growing up with autism, sparked meaningful discussion. He shared insights into his creative process, explaining that his poetry is deeply autobiographical. When asked about his preference for poetry over other literary forms, he cited its accessibility, saying, “Poems are digestible, but I don’t feel shortchanged by their brevity.”

The session ended with Knights’ thought-provoking remark: “It’s not me who completes a poem – it’s you, the reader.” Inspired by the discussion, the class continued analyzing the poem’s themes, including autism stereotypes, family roles and self-identity.

A special thank you to Karl Knights, Agata and Madison for making this memorable literary experience possible.

Date Added: 4/4/2025