In this workshop, we will focus on the lyric energy that informs poetry that seems to us alive, good, exciting, and inspiring. Rhythm, perceptual experience, and generosity of vision are some of the elements of lyric energy that we can discuss and practice in the workshop.

In the morning session, we’ll look at examples and talk about their particular magic, and I’ll go over some concepts such as the traditional role of music and voice in lyric imagination, and the concept of the “sweetening” of the line. Lyric involves nature, the natural, and the supernatural dimensions without distinguishing much between them—hence the somewhat dream-like or transporting tone or scene that emerges from good lyric poetry.

Of course, everybody’s idea of “good poetry” differs; but our response to really good poetry is often physical, involuntary (e.g. “shivers,” etc.). Are such responses thoughtless? Is lyric poetry (i.e. beauty) bad for us? Don’t these dire times require a more analytical, critical, academic approach? Shouldn’t we want to “make it darker”? (Yes, but darkness is mystery.)

In the afternoon poetry workshop, we will read and discuss the drafts you will have brought with you to the workshop.

Schedule:

10-12: Morning discussion session

12-1: Lunch break

1:00-2:30: Workshopping

For more information about Sharon Thesen and Pinecone Writing Workshops, please visit https://www.sharonthesen.com/