Writing the Long Poem

Class Description

Sometimes, we become frustrated with our poems because they don’t feel complete and there is seemingly nowhere to go. I would like you to consider that this frustration is a good thing. Perhaps a line, or a poem as a whole, has nowhere to go and we must accept that fact. Write an idea, and move on from it. The purpose of poetry is not to tell a clear story, but to become aware of the world around us. Poetry offers a way for us to give ourselves to the world, to give ourselves back to us. And to understand ourselves within the great project of being alive. Our existence is messy, incomplete, abstract. Allow your poems to be that way too.

We will practice writing stream of consciousness and generative writing exercises that will ask you to take leaps in logic. By the end of the class, you will have a good foundation for one long poem.

For intermediate to advanced poets.

Class Format

This class will take place using Zoom videoconferencing. About 15 minutes before your class is scheduled to begin, you'll receive an email from your instructor with a link to join the class meeting!

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.