Poetry II: Free Verse, Lyric Poetry & Narrative Poetry

Note: Though this class is offered as part of the Certificate in Poetry Writing, there is no pre-requisite to join this class. All students, members, and nonmembers are encouraged to enroll.

OBJECTIVES Upon completion of this workshop, you will have: Explored the elements of free verse. Defined the difference between the lyric and the narrative poem. Considered the composite poem in light of our current society. Practiced different poem endings. Examined your poetic creative tendencies. Read and analyzed two poetry books.

WEEK 1 Introduction to Poetry Two, review tips for evaluating a book of poetry, poem critique, workshop etiquette. What is free verse? Homework: begin to pick/order your books. Take home writing prompt. WEEK 2 What is lyric poetry? How does it differ from narrative? Read and critique class workshop. WEEK 3 The narrative poem and the composite poem. Read and critique class workshop. WEEK 4 How do poems end? Read and critique class workshop. WEEK 5 Your chakra—image, diction and rhetoric. Read and critique class workshop

ASSIGNMENTS Each participant will choose one book of poetry and one poetry craft book and submit, by week 5, a one to two page analysis of the book and its value, or not, to the individual’s poetry writing. Poem prompts will be given each week with the anticipation that the participants will generate new work. Participants are expected to actively participate in the read and critique portions of the workshop.