POETRY CODES
In this three part workshop, we’ll explore poetics as a tool for compressing meaning and magic into language. Together, we’ll explore a sample of intriguing works by a range of poets, including John Cage, Tatsuhiko Ishii, Phyllis Wheatley, W.B. Yeats, and more. Participants will write in response to prompts, with the option to share. All experience levels welcome! Come for the full series, or drop in for one session.
Session 1: LOCKBOXES: Meter, Sound, Etymology
Poems sometimes compress layers of meaning into singular words, syllables, sounds, and metrical patterns. These poems often surprise, delight, challenge, and satisfy. Sometimes, there’s far more than meets the eye. We’ll peel back the layers of short, but wildly compressed poems, considering ways that we might infuse layers of meaning into our own lines.
Session 2: RECEIVED FORMS
Why are some artists excited to follow seemingly arbitrary rules century after century? What magic lies in these received poetic forms? We’ll read through some forms, including sonnets, tanka, and ghazals, and sense into their particular magic. Then, we’ll try our hand at the one(s) of our choosing.
Session 3: INVENTED FORMS
Why follow someone else’s rules when you can make your own? Constraints yield creative solutions, and add dynamic potential to poetic projects. We’ll take a look at how contemporary poets invent and follow their own forms, to surprising effect. We’ll collectively, then independently, experiment with our own inventions as well.
*Please note this event will be held in our downstairs event space which is accessible by one flight of stairs.
About
Emily Brandt (she/they) is a poet, somatic coach, and facilitator with decades of experience writing, teaching, and supporting creative community. She’s the author of Falsehood, a co-founding editor of No, Dear, curator of the LINEAGE series at Wendy’s Subway, and member of Temp.Files, a video art cooperative and digital residency.
IG: @emilythebrandt