Writing Poetry from Nature

Class Description

“Try to praise the mutilated world,” the poet Adam Zagajewski tells us. Nature, that has served us for centuries as comfort and inspiration, is itself imperiled and disrupted by our carelessness. How can poets find an authentic voice to praise it now? Is it still true, as G.M. Hopkins wrote “There lives the dearest freshness deep down things”? How can we continue to say that? We’ll look to other poets such as Tommy Pico, Camille Dungy, Mary Oliver, Wendell Berry, and Ada Limón for guidance on what is left to say and how to say it. Expect to leave with a deeper understanding of poetic strategies, drafts for several poems, and new insights into how to write authentically in a complicated world.

For new and experienced writers.

Class Format

This class will take place in-person at our Center for Creative Writing in Boston's Seaport neighborhood.

Covid-19 Update:

GrubStreet's space will be mask optional when Boston's Covid-19 Community Level is low or medium. When the Covid-19 Community Level is high, our space will require masks. Please check GrubStreet's Covid-19 page for the latest info on masking and Community Levels before visiting in-person.

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.