I’m excited for the four poetry events I have in place for May. (There might be a fifth, but details are still in the works, so it’s too early to post about.) Scroll down to find out about my two workshop offerings, as well as two opportunities for collaborative poetry writing. As we are still dealing with COVID-19, all May events will take place on Zoom.
May Workshops
Hawks Don’t Circle: Accuracy and Expansiveness in Nature Poetry
May 26th, June 2nd, June 9th, and June 16th
7:00-8:30 pm Central time
Tuition: $233 early bird until Sunday, May 16th 2021; $333 standard rate
Register at the course page.
Description: This workshop is designed to help poets both create more accurate, precise images in nature poetry. In the first two sessions, we will study the ways in which errors in naturalistic descriptions can compromise a poem, and also look at ways in which to employ skillful depictions of nature. We will also draft our own poems in relation to course topics. In the latter two sessions, we will study poems that go beyond images of nature to make broader cultural, social, or political statements. We will take time to research and refine our drafts from class, workshop with peers, and experiment with expanding our depictions of nature into a wider context. There are weekly reading assignments and exploratory exercises between class sessions.
Haiku Beyond 5-7-5
May 29th, 2021
1:00-5:00 pm Central time
Tuition: $100
Register at the Year of Forms page
Description: Spend an afternoon studying and developing kireji (cutting word) and kigo (seasonal reference) in your haiku. Upon registration, you will receive two craft essays, one focused on kireji and one focused on kigo, to read before our workshop. You will also receive a series of haiku to read in advance. In addition to discussing the readings, we will have a workshop in which we practice improving our use of kireji, as well as incorporating kigo in an authentic way.
Collaborative Poetry Parties
Renga Happy Hour
Thursday, May 20th
5:30-6:30 pm Central Time
Free Event
Register at Eventbrite for Zoom link
Description: Renga is a form of poetry that originated in Japan. It’s meant to be written collaboratively. Let’s socialize on Zoom and write renga together! The hour will start with a brief introduction to the conventions of the form, and then we’ll have plenty of time to write. All levels of poetry experience welcome.
Exquisite Corpse Lunch Break
Tuesday, May 25th
12:15-12:45 pm Central Time
Free Event
Register at Eventbrite for Zoom link
Description: The exquisite corpse is a poetry form in which every person contributes a line. Let’s take some time in the early afternoon to stretch our creative muscles and write a collaborative poem! This is a great way to connect with other poets even at a distance. All levels of poetry experience welcome.
Poetry and Practice 