Inevitably, all poems take on a shape, they have a body. But it’s up to the poet to decide which form serves the meaning, and which structure will express the poet most successfully. How does a poet choose to construct a poem—what should it look like and why? Fluidity is a powerful part of poetry, a privilege, even. As poets, we elect the words that turn into lines and stanzas; we build the poem. In this class we will discuss traditional forms that use meter and/or rhyme scheme (sonnet, sestina, ghazal), form based on feeling and setting (elegy and pastoral), and “formlessness” (free verse). Experimenting with a poem’s structure can make you a stronger poet. Let’s blur the lines.

Please note: This class or event is hybrid. Some attendees will be in-person and some will attend online. There may be a limited number of in-person seats available. If you are participating online (using Zoom or a similar live platform), students or attendees should have a stable internet connection. Class participants: you should have a computer or device with a webcam and microphone; and your Zoom link will be automatically sent to you after you register. Check your spam box if you don't see it.