In this generative course for poets over 45, we’ll write with authenticity and earned perspective. Most of our time will be devoted to writing together, using layered prompts inspired by accomplished poets such as Margaret Atwood, Patricia Smith, Lucille Clifton, Louise Glück, Diane Seuss, and Carl Phillips, as well as revolutionary younger voices like Chen Chen and Danez Smith. Each session will invite you to explore new themes, refine your craft, and embrace your creative vitality at this stage in your life. Optional time at the end of class will allow you to share work aloud and receive encouraging, informal feedback.

By the end of the course, you’ll have up to 24 new poem drafts or beginnings—a rich body of work that reflects the depth of your experience. You’ll gain confidence, strengthen your poetic voice, and find nourishment in a supportive, multigenerational community of writers who understand what it means to keep creating through life’s many seasons.

Who This Course is For

This course is geared toward writers of all levels at mid-life (45 or thereabouts) and beyond. Emerging writers are welcome and embraced.

Learning Goals:

In this course, students will: 

• Hone and strengthen their poetic voices.
• Learn how to write and practice writing in a variety of poetic forms including the Seussian sonnet, haiku, cento, erasure, ekphrastic and epistle.
• Practice building tension and employing poetic turns.
• Gain confidence in sharing their work with other writers.
• Learn strategies for revision.

Writing Goals:

In this course, you will:

• Write 20-24 new poem drafts or beginnings.
• Write in a variety of poetic forms.
• Practice modifying (“breaking”) form.
• Play with precision and risk-taking in your writing.

Zoom Schedule:

Beginning January 6th, we will meet on Zoom on Tuesdays from 6:30-8:30 PM Eastern.

Weekly Syllabus:

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