Class

A Poet's Toolbox

Why do some poems make your heart skip while others leave you cold? In this class, we’ll explore some of the key building blocks of good poetry, including voice, metaphor, imagery, and the line.

We’ll read and discuss poems that embody these tools from writers including Eve L. Ewing, Ross Gay, Ada Limón, and Li-Young Lee. We’ll engage in writing prompts designed to help you bring key craft elements into your work.

You’ll have a chance to read your new poems aloud and receive positive feedback from the teaching artist and other students. This class is designed for those who are newer to poetry as well as more experienced poets who want to brush up on their craft.

By the end of this class, you’ll:
+ Understand important poetic craft tools including voice, metaphor, imagery, and the line
+ Practice bringing these craft tools into your own writing
+ Write the beginning drafts of several poems
+ Receive positive feedback from your instructor and peers
+ Read and discuss poems from other writers
+ Connect with a community of other writers

Instructions for Accessing This Online Class

In order to access live class meetings, you must have the Zoom application downloaded to your computer. You will also need a WiFi/Internet connection throughout the duration of your scheduled meeting and a computer with audio and video capability. The information to join your Zoom classroom will be provided in your confirmation email upon registration. Please check spam folders if you do not see this email upon registration. For more information on how to use Zoom, please see our training manual here.

Some classes use a supplemental Google Classroom page. Should your teaching artist use Google Classroom, you will be invited to join the classroom via email at least 24 hours in advance of your class (check spam folders if you are not seeing this invitation). Please note that Google Classroom requires a Gmail address to access the Classroom. If you do not have a Gmail account, the email invitation will be sent to the email address we have on file and will prompt you to create a free account or enter an existing account to join the classroom. If we are unable to send an email invitation to your non-gmail account, you will be contacted by a staff member to provide a Gmail address. If you do not have a Gmail account, you can create a free account here. Should you have concerns about this, please contact a Loft staff member at [email protected] or 612-379-8999. For more information on how to use Google Classroom, please see our training manual here.