Congratulations! You’ve started the first session of WRDPNTRS: Looking at Art, Looking Back with Words.
Work through the videos and take a look at any links. After you finish the videos, try the exercises suggested by your mentors. We promise you’ll learn tons about writing poetry!
Part 1: What Does Poetry Mean to You?
The mentors, Kathleen and Sonia, discuss the 4-session workshop. They want you to write with an ACTUAL pen and paper (not your phone or computer) for at least 10-15 minutes between each video. Sonia shares the poem Amanda Gorman recited during the recent US presidential inauguration. Kathleen introduces you to Atticus, the poetry star of Instagram from BC, Canada. They also ask you to start writing with an introductory exercise.
Resources
- Amanda Gorman – article and performance
- Life with Atticus – article
- Atticus – website
EXERCISE: What Poetry Means to You (5-10 minutes)
What is poetry? What effect does it have on you? Take a few minutes to respond to the following prompts: “Poetry to me is…” and “The feelings I get when I hear Gorman’s poem are…”
If you like, you could write this as a poem (about 10 lines) or transform it into one: Poetry to me is … / The feeling I get when…
Part 2: Why We Are WRDPNTRS
Why are we WRDPNTRS? Find out below…
EXERCISE: Object Poem (15+ minutes)
Find a tactile and tangible object in your space and write a poem about it. Spend NO LESS than 15 minutes and remember to KEEP YOUR POEM for later in the course.
Part 3: Getting Ready for Session 2
Take a look at what you’ll need to prepare for the second session of the poetry workshop.
REFLECTION
Identify a film, tv show, costume, or book that you love or has stayed with you. Consider how you might put your experience into words. Note down your thoughts for the next session.
SEE YOU NEXT TIME!
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