On a rainy Wednesday afternoon, two University at Buffalo students got together in a South Lake Village apartment living room to discuss something that both of them had been interested in for years. Jake Botticello and Stephanie Young, who are both junior English majors, wanted to discuss poetry and a new idea they had been working on: a university-wide poetry publication. They want to give students the opportunity to express their ideas, opinions, and views through poetry and also give them the opportunity to let hundreds hear them.

Botticello and Young quickly admit that the idea for a poetry publication, which is tentatively titled Advancing the Idiom, was not originally theirs. It pretty much just fell into their laps, as neither were really searching for it. They both were in the same poetry class, where the idea was mentioned. Sitting right beside one another, they turned to each other and just decided to do it. Since then, the publication has become a labor of love for both Botticello and Young. Both are the editors and both are trying to get the word out about this publication any way they can.

With the support of the English department behind them, they have begun to put everything into motion. They have put up fliers all over and have even had teachers mention it in their classes and in their emails to students. But, even with all their hard work and even with the backing of the English department, Botticello admits that one major detail has managed to elude them: a publisher. “[We] might be published through Alpha Graphics. We don’t know yet.” But, all that aside, Botticello seems to be extremely optimistic about the publication’s future.

“My first influences in poetry,” says Botticello, “were writers like Shakespeare and Stephens. As I’ve grown older and gotten deeper into my poetry, I’ve found inspiration in poets like Taylor Mali.” Botticello also mentioned that he uses his own poetry to show himself to the world and let them know what type of person he is.

As for Young, “I was drawn to poetry to express myself and my complex emotions. Reading poetry became essential to expanding my opinions and ideas.” The poets that influenced her at first were Frost, Yeats, and Plath because “they had a profound impact on [her] style and opinion of poetry.”

Distribution will not only be nationwide, but also move into Canada. “We will be approaching various major universities across the country,” said Botticello. “We have also already setup a distributor in southern Ontario.” Prices of the book, Botticello admits, have not fully been discussed but he is assuming that they will be around five dollars per volume, and they will be available at Talking Leaves Bookstore.

But still, they are determined. They are looking for, according to Botticello, quality pieces “in a wide array of genres.” Both of them will be dealing with all submissions, and submissions can be entered in a variety of ways. They can be placed in the UB English undergraduate office in 306 Clemens, emailed to UBPoetry@gmail.com, and also to Botticello’s home address, which you can obtain by emailing him at jjb22@buffalo.edu.

So far, the response to the publication has been fairly positive since the idea’s inception. “[Since] submissions opened just under a month ago,” stated Botticello, “we’ve received 20 submissions.” It’s a number he seems proud of and hopes it will continue to grow bigger.

According to Young, the publication is slated for an April 2006 release, submissions are due by November 17 and will be judged in February. The release of the publication will not only signify a personal victory for Young and Botticello, but it will also signify the end of the old student poetry publication NAME, according to an email sent out to faculty by Randy Schiff, an Assistant English Professor here at UB.

While both Young and Botticello are extremely hopeful for the publication’s success, they both tend to disagree on the popularity of poetry itself among students. When asked whether or not they thought poetry was popular among the students, Botticello replied with a short and stern answer of “no,” and not really giving much insight as to why he felt this. Young, on the other hand, felt that, while it may not be readily noticeable, poetry is actually very popular amongst young people. “[Yes], the poetry of lyricism.” She mentioned the music scene specifically and how it is in everyone’s everyday life.

The overall success and longevity of this publication really depends on one key factor: the willingness of students to submit their ideas and opinions. But, with the 20 submissions they have now and the positive mindset of those involved, the success of the very first publication of Advancing the Idiom seems to be nothing to worry about. The English department, Jake Botticello, and Stephanie Young are more than happy to answer any questions you may have and you can pick up a flier at the undergraduate office at 306 Clemens.