Poesy: a Poetry Workshop

Putting out feelers for the potential of a poetry workshop group. I am finding fewer and fewer poets in writing groups! So in THIS group, we can organize meetups to discuss and deconstruct great poems, either our own or ones that you have read and wish to explore.

This group is suitable for new poets or poetry fans who are new to poetry analysis. HOW to read and enjoy poetry is subjective but can offer my approach to it, if that would be helpful. I also encourage other poets in the group to offer their approaches as well.

That said, this group is for poets who are open to diverse approaches and thoughts about poetry and love to dig deep into one.

Once I have a sense of enough interest to merit an official group, I will begin to host online meetings where we can submit poems for review. I am thinking the meetings will be organized thus:

1. 2 hrs long
2. Online through Zoom.
3. Each participant will have 15 minutes to read their poem and have it analyzed by the group. No more than 8 poets at one time. Long poems may need to be broken into parts.
4. I will know that we are ready to schedule a first meeting when we have at least 5 poets who have requested to be a member AND have sent me a poem that they wish to have worked. Also, and optionally, I would love it if you tell me if you have a favourite poet or poem, and why.

My favourite poet is Langston Hughes. He was the first poet to ever interest me way back in high school and he’s been with me ever since, even though I’ve learned to appreciate very different poets and poetry. When I use rhythm and repetition in a poem, I’d say that stems from his influence. I also greatly admire how present he is in his body of work. Lots of poets achieve this but I guess I must like him particularly for some reason.

Open to suggestions and I encourage a democratic group.