Bodies in Space: The Art of Poetic Observation

This class will focus on generating work through being a careful observer of the natural world. This includes developing and practicing a willingness to put your body in space and be an acute observer. We will discuss ways of gathering language and broadening our vocabulary of the natural world. We will discuss how to write in space and how to develop writing practices that work for the individual. We consider the musicality and registers of languages of varying places. We will talk about the difference between "I" and "eye" and how both are dynamic framing devices. Most importantly, we will use these discussions and ideas to further and deepen our relationship with language, ourselves, and the world around us. The works of the following authors will be explored: Jorie Graham, Ronald Johnson, Denise Levertov, JH Prynne, Ed Roberson, Brandon Shimoda, Layli Long Soldier, May Swenson, Jean Valentine, and others.

This class takes place online via Zoom.