Two works by Northwestern State University English major Shundrika Smith will be published in the next issue of Dark River Review, a national undergraduate student literary magazine produced by Alabama State University.

The poems, “Mystery of a Toga” and “Tall Tales” came out of class assignments for Professor of English Julie Kane.

“Having this opportunity is amazing,” said Smith, a senior from West Monroe. “I never thought my poems would be published. When I found out about the opportunity in Dark River Review, I decided to take a chance. This is a great start for me to be able to say I have been published.”

In “Mystery of a Toga, ” Smith talked about an item of clothing, a purple sweatshirt that had meaning to her.

“I called it a toga as a way of working in Greek mythology and characters such as Atlas and Cerberus,” said Smith.

“Tall Tales” was inspired by the series of Harry Potter novels. Smith said she was a big fan of the popular novels and used the poem to talk about personal relationships and their evolution.

As she has evolved as a writer, Smith says poetry has become the most meaningful form to her.

“I have written short stories and fiction, but I love the way I can express myself through poetry,” said Smith. I have found poetry to be more personal. It has allowed me to develop my own voice.”

Smith has been a junior editor for Argus, the campus literary magazine, writing opinions on works that were submitted and edited those that were selected.