History is described as the record of time past. History is also written by those who have the power to circulate narratives about that time. Often, history is regarded as something we no longer have the power to change—because it’s already happened. But poetry offers a way to (re)insert ourselves/our imagination into the pages of history, so we might consider different views of the past and ask different questions. In this class, we’ll read exemplary poems by poets who have also explored this capacity of poetry to loosen the bounds of time and admit entry into places that might otherwise seem distant— like Paisley Rekdal, Natasha Trethewey, Marilyn Nelson, Ocean Vuong, Joy Harjo, Jose Olivarez, and more. And we’ll write poems which will try to connect our personal narratives with the larger histories that surround them and live in them.

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.