Dalili thrives as 1st youth poet laureate
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Melody Dalili, Farragut High School senior and Knoxville’s first youth poet laureate, right, is pictured with her father, Sam Dalili, and her younger sister, Leah. - Photo submitted
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Knoxville’s First Youth Poet Laureate, Farragut High School Class of 2022 graduate Melody Dalili, composed and read a poem for the her class’s graduation May 22. - Photo submitted
Melody Dalili’s powerfully unique poetic voice has earned her many awards and accolades, with perhaps the greatest being named Knoxville’s very first youth poet laureate earlier this year.
The effervescent Farragut High School senior began writing poetry at a very young age, but was self-conscious about her interest and talent.
“Poetry is more normalized now and is everywhere, but I remember being in third grade and not really wanting anyone to know I wrote poetry,” she recalled with laugh. “You think of poets as being old guys in suits and having long beards.”
She may have been shy about her ability, but Dalili was not shy about pursuing the craft or defining what it means to her.
“Poetry is really just putting down your thoughts,” she said. “There doesn’t have to be any rules. When we are talking about things we love, poetry can be whatever we want it to be.”
Sometimes, as Dalili came to realize, writing can be a way of working through life’s difficulties. She was subjected to a childhood of abuse at the hands of her mother before she and her younger sister, Leah, were rescued and taken to live with their father, Sam Dalili.
Since that time, Dalili’s world has been one of acceptance and love, from not only her family but also teachers and mentors who have encouraged her talents.
She took advanced creating writing from FHS English teacher Elizabeth Toth, who quickly became one of her biggest cheerleaders.
“I think Mel is special as a poet and a student because she does her best to listen to her inner voice,” Toth said. “She doesn’t try to write a poem just like someone else. ... She writes beautiful metaphors for really challenging things.
“She’s a pretty great kid who has taken life’s hardships and made them something beautiful,” the FHS teacher added.
Toth said she has been among several teachers who have encouraged Dalili to “keep writing and to share her poems withothers, even when it made her feel nervous at first.”
“She does not have to go out of her way for me at all, but has been so willing to help me, not just with my writing, but with everything,” Dalili said.
Another FHS English teacher, Dr. Cedelle Niles, said, “When I read her work or hear her, I can’t help being struck at how powerful her message is, and just how she has such an amazing way with words.
“I am so proud of her, and she has my support 100 percent,” he added.
Allison Comer, executive director for The Muse where Dalili works, also has supported and encouraged her, both personally and professionally.
“The Muse was already part of my life and part of my journey of healing because my mom used to take my sister and I there, as an apology to us, so I saw it as a refuge and a truly happy place,” Dalili said. “Allison has given me my second chance at childhood. It gives me a place where even today I can just be a kid.”
As Rhea Carmon, Knoxville’s poet laureate, first had the idea of a Knoxville youth poet laureate, Dalili has looked to her for guidance, too.
“She helped me to be able to see my hardships as a privilege,” she said. “I don’t think it’s good or lucky to go through hard things. I was bitter for a long time, but to be able to come out of it on the other side of what might seem impossible, yet still have empathy and ability to see others going through tough times — I do appreciate being able to do that.”
FHS principal Dr. John Bartlett asked Dalili to write a poem and read it during graduation ceremonies May 22 for Farragut’s Class of 2022.
“It is a great honor for one of our students to be named Knoxville Youth Poet Laurette,” Bartlett said. “Because it may not happen again for a little while, I wanted Melody to express what it means to be a Farragut Admiral.”
“I was so nervous and freaking out when he first asked, but I was so honored,” she said of the poem she titled, “When the Captains Leave.”
Beyond Farragut, Dalili is sharing her poetic flair with Knox County’s public libraries, heading up a student-focused storytelling project during the current school year.
“I’m very excited to be able to make poetry more accessible,” she said, while also working on finishing her second book of poetry, “Thank You for Staying.”
“It’s about people who have been part of my journey, and I am just so grateful for those I hold close to me who have been part of it,” she added. “I couldn’t have done it without them.”
