Second Saturday Poetry Workshops (from Spring '02 SPOTLIGHTS)
A perfectly chosen word can create magic for aspiring poets. To convey their visions, poets strive to paint with the fewest and most appropriate words. The poets participating in the Second Saturday Poetry workshops help each other to tweak their work and pick the best words to reach their writing goals.
The Second Saturday Poetry workshop was established by distinguished, award-winning poet Deborah Rosen. Writer, Sherrie Kirmse attends each workshop as NWCC's liaison. Their efforts are greatly appreciated and ensure the stability and continuity of the workshops.
We asked for an assessment of the program from those who have attended the Second Saturday Poetry Workshops. Here's what they said:
Kathy Umlauf
As a RHINO editor, I taught one of the workshops (arranged by Deborah Nodler Rosen) and was very impressed by the talent and dedication of the Assembled writers. It's a wonderful opportunity gather and get inspiration and feedback on one's work.
--Kathleen Kirk
Kathy, your workshops are extremely successful. You draw some very motivated and talented people, and your atmosphere is lovely. Thanks for the welcome to us all, poets and teachers alike... I don't know if that's what you want by way of feedback. But it's genuine.
--Helen Degen Cohen
Dear Kathy:
Just a note to let you know how much I enjoy the NWCC's Second Saturday Poetry Workshops, nine of which I have already attended. I find the workshop leaders, without exception, to be well prepared, helpful, knowledgeable and, or course, charming - be they male or female! Their attitude seems to flow over to the participants who, like myself, enjoy presenting their own poems to the class and the friendly, lively, serious, and sometimes humorous, discussions which ensue.
I come away from each session with new insight into the craft of poetry and a serious determination to put my new found knowledge into practice. Whether or not I succeed I leave up to the gods; but I know of no better way to spend a Saturday morning. I look forward to the next one.
--Neil Henderson
Poetry is a craft as well as an art. Those unfamiliar with poetry workshops may be unaware of the rigorous exercises practiced by the writer.
I have believed since college that poetry is the most concise and creative form of literature, the sparest form of language. It forces the writer to say the most with the least amount of words. As a prose writer, I find this discipline invaluable.
Every Second Saturday we gather with a presenter who is an accomplished poet in his or her own right. Each one brings a new writing exercise and their own experienced point of view. They help focus our discussion of each other's work.
Sometimes the Muse is kind and choice words and phrases spring full-blown from your head. But they are more likely hard won through multiple revisions. This is where the art and the craft must become one.
What works, what doesn't? Each month we ask each other that question. The words are our perfect children. We cherish them as they are. But the child must have some discipline. So the question comes again. What works, what doesn't?
Those who gather each Second Saturday know this and try to draw each other through the language maze.
An important part of the Council's mission is to make our public understand that the arts are essential to the development of critical thinking skills. Here is one of the ways we do it.
-- Sharon Findley Kirmse
Links
RHINO, THE
POETRY FORUM
Publishes annual collection of poetry
and sponsors poetry workshops.