Poetry has enjoyed many forms: a full book, a limerick, a sonnet, a pantoum. This workshop—for both newcomers and seasoned writers—will explore how form can be a vehicle for meaning and content, inviting surprising turns and unexpected connections and introducing strangeness instead of sense.

Each day, we will explore a different poetic form through examples and writing prompts. As part of learning how to read poetry, we will also explore writing in form: for some, this will be part of their regular practice; for others, it will be new. The writing practice is meant to enhance our respect for and engagement with the poems we peruse. Prompts will be given, and participants will be welcome to share their writing or keep it private.

Pádraig has been facilitating poetry-writing groups for many years. His preferred group is one that contains a mix of experienced writers and those new to the craft. He will encourage participants to pay attention to their own vernacular and shape that into form, music, and furniture for the purpose of a poem.

There is no pre-reading required. Students will be provided with a package of poems for reflection in the sessions.

REQUIREMENTS

• This is an ALL LEVELS class for readers (no manuscript review).
• Please submit an application with a brief note that states your interest in this workshop. We recommend applying ASAP as it is late in the season.
• The cost is $675. If you are selected to participate, we ask you to pay the full amount within five days.

ABOUT

Pádraig Ó Tuama is a poet with interests in conflict, language, power, and religion. He hosts On Being’s immensely successful Poetry Unbound podcast, with over 21 million downloads, and has been facilitating groups of people to write poetry for many years.

Pádraig has told stories at The Moth, has been featured on NPR’s All Things Considered, and has presented programs on poetry and language for BBC Radio 4. He has interviewed many poets and public figures, including former President of Ireland Mary McAleese, Fady Joudah, Hanif Abdurraqib, The Edge, Sarah Perry, Joy Harjo, Billy Collins, and Martin Hayes.

Pádraig’s poems have been featured in Poetry Ireland Review, Ploughshares, Harvard Review, New England Review, and Kenyon Review, among others. He is poet in residence with the Cooperation and Conflict Resolution Center at Columbia University and serves as faculty at Yale Divinity School as a Professor in the practice of Spirituality. He splits his time between Belfast and New York City.