Class

Rooted: Finding the Poem in Our Own Backyard

The greatest poets know a secret: the ordinary world is sacred. Not metaphorically. Not occasionally. Always.

In this class, we explore the work of poets for whom place—a snowy hillside, a country road, a patch of winter moss—is not merely backdrop but the very source of the poem. We will read and discuss poems by Jane Kenyon, Ted Kooser, James Wright, and other celebrated poets of place, discovering how the patient, humble observation of one's own corner of the world can become an inexhaustible well of poetic inspiration.

Class time will be divided between close reading and discussion, guided writing exercises, and brief sharing of student work. There is no workshopping in the traditional sense—students will not receive written feedback on their drafts. Instead, participants are invited to share what they've written aloud, and responses from the group will focus on what moved or resonated, not critique.

No prior writing experience is required. All readings will be provided digitally in advance; there are no required books to purchase.

This class is open to writers at every level and to anyone who suspects the poem they've been looking for might be right around the corner.

In this class:
-Students will explore the work of poets for whom place is the primary source of poetic inspiration.
-Students will practice bringing the poet's eye to their own particular corner of the world.
-Students will leave with new tools for finding the sacred in the ordinary and the extraordinary in the everyday.

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.