In this workshop we will explore the theme of light—indeed a timely topic in times like these—and how it manifests itself in human experience: the light of nature, of science and Spirit, art and human personality. Light in all these manifestations is understood by its contrasting darkness, like the gold and the shadows in Beowulf. As novelist and poet Ursula Le Guin put it simply, “When you light a candle, you also cast a shadow.” The poetry we consider here—that of writers like Rita Dove, Jane Hirshfield, Christian Wiman, Milton, Dylan Thomas, and others—will stimulate your thinking and raise possibilities for your own poems.

The class is structured to include both formal instruction and useful feedback during the workshop experience. An important benefit is that you’ll get to experiment with form, style, and voice while honing your poetic skills and wresting light from the dark.

Please note: This class is an online class. To participate, students must have a stable internet connection with a computer or device with a webcam and microphone.