WDtS Grove Hall: Intro to Poetry

Class Description

Do you want to try writing poetry, but don’t know where to start? Do you need to refresh your understanding of the fundamentals of the genre? “Introduction to Poetry” will help you get that new engine going. The main method of this class is to learn by doing - diving right into the writing process and giving ourselves permission to play on the page and develop the notes of our distinct poetic voices. Each week for 6 weeks we’ll be looking at a batch of poems that explore a poetic strategy, form, or experiment, discuss our findings, and use our discoveries to slingshot ourselves into our own work. There will be well scaffolded brainstorming exercises to help you on your way. We’ll also include writing exercises aimed at silencing our inner critic and instinct to hesitate while writing to help us get out of the way of our own writing processes. Feedback from the instructor and from your classmates on your work will be available. Outside of class an optional weekly poetry craft podcast episode will be available to listen to that’s hosted by or feature some of the writers we’ll be reading in class. Expect work from; Hanif Abdurraqib, Joy Harjo, Arecelis Girmay, Li-Young Lee, Franny Choi, Shira Erlichman, Jake Skeets, Ross Gay, and many more!

Who Should Register?

Write Down the Street has a special focus on making the creative writing workshop more accessible to those who face challenges due to cost, language skills, lack of access to transportation, and other barriers. We believe that all voices must be spotlighted with the range and fullness they deserve.

These programs are offered tuition-free thanks to the support of generous donors who are committed to our mission of ensuring all voices are heard.