In this workshop, Suzanne will present proven strategies to help you find your truest poem among the bulk of words in your first draft, as Michaelangelo discovered his David in the heart of the marble. Bring a poem to the workshop that you care about but want to improve. Everyone will have a copy of your poem.

Here are but a few revision questions to consider:

• Why does this poem matter to me, and why should it matter to a reader?
• Have I thought deeply about the truth of my poem, the subjective truth “without the pressure and framework of logic or science” as one source describes it?
• Am I doing too much explaining instead of relying on imagery and other literary tools to carry meaning?
• What words, lines, stanzas can I change or eliminate to uncover the poem’s truth?
• Is my language fresh, surprising, specific, and charged, or am I using stale, imitative, overly general speech?

After going over some key revision strategies, you’ll have an opportunity to work on your poem by applying any of them Then I will ask for volunteers to read their revised draft aloud.

Please note: This class or event will be held online (using Zoom or a similar live platform). To participate, 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.