Persona Poems- Myth
When I hear a persona poem in the voice of some mythological character (or iconic figure in history or famous person), I’m simultaneously engaged and suspicious. While taking a weighty symbolic figure out of their context is a ripe for all kinds of post modern awesomeness, there’s always the danger of the “wouldn’t it be crazy if Hitler were a on a reality show?” poetic celebrity impression. Just having a well-known person in a wacky modern situation is not enough to make a good poem. There’s also the “out of your gravitas depth” factor. No, 20 year old white college student,...
read moreThe part of the story I’d rather not tell.
This week I want to spend some time on a concept called “the volta”. The volta is the “turn” in a poem. When you realize the killer was in the house the whole time or she’s actually talking about herself or some other moment of realization that you were not expecting. Sometimes it’s a reveal of information. Sometimes it’s a change of posture. Either way, if it’s done right, it really makes the poem stick it in and break it off. Here are a few examples of so much right. Jeanann Verlee- The Session. Victoria Lynee Mccoy- On the day it became legal to rape your wife. Emily Kagan...
read more50 years in the career of an aspiring thug
Today’s workshop will require the use of a timer with an alarm. If you phone doesn’t have one, an egg timer will work. First, read 50 Years in the Career of an Aspiring Thug by Suzanne Wise http://www.fishousepoems.org/archives/suzanne_wise/50_years_in_the_career_of_an_aspiring_thug.shtml Now write the first person that comes to your mind. Name three things they have loved, three things they have destroyed, and three activities they enjoy. Set a timer to go off every thirty seconds. Begin writing as many specific details about this person or their life as you can, enumerating each. When...
read moreHow the Mirror Looks
This week’s poem “How the mirror looks this morning” by Bob Hicok is a monster of a mobster. A few things I love about this poem. The images are great. Opening so specifically with the six volt and the bunch of wires. But then the plot thickens mid stanza! Oh fuck! He killed the cat! And then the question of can anything be held that doesn’t cut through what asks to hold it? Fuck your whole couch Mr. Hicok. The whole brilliant thing. So here’s the prompt. Think of something you regret doing as a child. List 3 items that were a part of said action. List 3 questions that you...
read moreThe cows on killing day
Today’s workshop is an exercise in perspective. Check out “The cows on killing day” by Less Murry. What I love about this poem is the idea of a collective first person voice. So first, choose a group that thinks or acts like a single entity. It can be a group of inanimate object or animals, but just not cows. What are 3 objects that would be a part of this group’s worst day? Describe these items, using verbs. slashing thing, bang stick Who would be the enemy of this group? Describe them in verbs. Who would be a friend of this group? Describe them in...
read moreWalking away
This week is does not count as going to therapy, but it might feel like it. First, listen to Jeff McDaniel, “Day 4305” Now buy his book when you have a second. Now listen to Brother Ali’s “Walking Away”. Now write down the name of someone or something you would like to not have in your life. This can be a behavior you intact or another person. Write the last time you saw this person or experienced this behavior. Write two lessons that you have learned from the person or behavior. These can be a skill or knowledge as well as an insight to a larger understanding. Compare this person...
read more