Break or Make? An Introduction to the Poetic Line

Many of us think the core component of a poem is the image but one of the poet's most powerful tools is the line itself. The line isn’t simply a thing that must be broken, but rather a method of making a poem. Where a line begins and ends can create tension, surprise, silence, and also music. In this generative poetry workshop, we'll explore how the line break is a unit of composition that shapes meaning.

Together, we will discuss examples of foundational techniques such as enjambment, end-stopped lines, caesura, and stanza breaks. We will draw inspiration from poets including Ross Gay, Brenda Shaughnessy, Kaveh Akbar, and Hayan Charara. We’ll look at how these poets have used the line to create emphasis, ambiguity, and momentum. Through close reading, guided discussion, and structured prompts, we'll examine and experiment with a range of approaches to breaking (and remaking) our lines, discovering how shifts in length can affect the pacing and rhythm within our own poems.

This session is open to writers of all levels. Whether you are drafting new work or revising an existing poem, this class will aim to deepen your understanding of lineation and its possibilities. Together, we'll learn to listen more closely to our poems as we uncover how the line functions as one of its fundamental building blocks.

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Details: Break or Make? An Introduction to the Poetic Line with Vasvi Kejriwal takes place Monday, October 26th from 6:30-8:30 PM remotely online via Zoom.

‍Genre: Poetry

‍Level: All levels

‍Format: One session craft talk

‍Location: This class takes place remotely online via Zoom.

‍Size: Limited to 25 participants (including two scholarship recipients).

‍Scholarships: Two scholarship spots are available for this class for writers in Northeast Ohio. Apply by Sunday, August 23rd. Click here to apply.

‍Cancellations & Refunds: Cancel at least 48 hours in advance of the first class meeting to receive a full refund. Email programs@litcleveland.org.