Note: Though this class is offered as part of the Certificate in Poetry Writing, there is no pre-requisite to join this class. All students, members, and nonmembers are encouraged to enroll.

The poet should develop a strategy of revision. Often the good poem is attained through rigorous revision of the original draft. We will examine different approaches to revision as well as the more esoteric poem-making tools and types of poems and their uses and effects. In this session we will begin discussion of the structure of published books of poetry.

OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this workshop, you will have:

1. Explored different revision techniques and how they match your writing style.
2. Identified the importance of poem titles.
3. Considered the nature of “truth” in contemporary poetry.
4. Discussed the history of “deep image.”
5. Explored different types of poems.
6. Read and analyzed two poetry books.

WEEK 1

Introduction to Poetry Three, review tips for evaluating a book of poetry, poem critique, workshop etiquette. Revision techniques.

Homework: begin to pick/order your books. Take home writing prompt.

WEEK 2

• Poem titles, lying in Poetry. Discussion of manuscript/book organization
• Read and critique workshop

WEEK 3

• Deep Image, the erotic poem
• Read and critique workshop

WEEK 4

• Inadequacy of Language, the list poem
• Read and critique workshop

WEEK 5

• Political or Science poems, the funny poem
• Read and critique workshop

ASSIGNMENTS

Each participant will choose one book of poetry and one poetry craft book and submit, by week 5, a one to two page analysis of the book and its value, or not, to the individual’s poetry writing. Poem prompts will be given each week with the anticipation that the participants will generate new work. Participants are expected to actively participate in the read and critique portions of the workshop.