Poetry as a Contemplative Practice

Class Description

In this class, we will explore what contemplative or spiritual poems might be; we will look closely at some examples; and we will discuss both the process and the craft of writing contemplative poetry. Poets we read closely may include Rumi, Rilke, Hopkins, Mary Oliver, Ross Gay and others.

We will look at specific techniques to write contemplative poems that avoid sentimentality, use heightened language, use the particular and the abstract, and attend to both what is and what is not said.

There will be time to write and time to explore writing from different kinds of prompts, including writing after meditation. And there will be time to share poems and get feedback.

The class is open to writers of every level who want to expand and deepen their approach to reading and writing poetry.

Scholarship Information

Thanks to the excellent literary citizenship of our donors, scholarships are available for all GrubStreet classes. To apply, click the gray "APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP" button. In order to be considered for a scholarship, you must complete your application at least one week before the start date of a class. Please await our scholarship committee's decision before registering for the class. We cannot hold spots in classes, so the sooner you apply, the better. Scholarships cannot be applied retroactively.

For more more detailed information about GrubStreet scholarships, including how to contribute to scholarship funds for other students, click here.