Class

The Poetics of Hope: Writing and Reading Poetry

We’ll examine poetry’s power to confront and evoke feeling, to help us perceive, notice, and orient ourselves—with the specific lens of hopefulness. When hope feels unattainable, how can poems help us reach toward it? In desperate moments, what might poems offer to help keep us afloat?

We’ll begin with reading and discussion (poets will likely include Ross Gay, Tarfia Faizullah, Lucille Clifton, Czeslaw Milosz), noting elements of craft these poets implement and how that craft confronts themes and evokes feeling. Then, we’ll use inspiration from the reading and discussion toward writing our own poetry drafts. While we won’t have time for feedback on the drafts, we will have time allocated for volunteers to share. Participants will also be given a list of additional optional texts to take with them.

Please email [email protected] at least two to three weeks in advance if you have any accessibility requests for this class. PLEASE NOTE: the elevator in Open Book will be unavailable for use from July - August 2025 due to modernization. This class takes place in-person, at the Loft at Open Book. Please see the Loft’s website for the most up to date information about the Loft’s COVID policies.