Poetry
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Poetry writing combines the interests of the poetry faculty (some of whom write formal poetry and some of whom write in open forms) and the interests of the students. Ultimately, students are exposed to a range of contemporary poetry writing today: from new formalism to free, open forms to language poetry or experimental poetry, though not necessarily in any systematic order. Mentors follow the lead of the students and work with their poems as objectively as possible both in workshop and during the semester not encouraging poets to “write like me” but to be the best they can in their chosen styles. But mentors may also make assignments if a student seems limited to a too narrowly focused style. For instance, a beginning semester student may welcome assignments as a way of breaking out of a particular mode of writing and stretching oneself. Reading a wide range of poets—both ancient and modern—helps poetry writing students understand the depth of language in all human experience and how they may choose to write poetry in the twenty-first century that is meaningful to them and also connects with an audience.
Workshops leaders stress reading the work aloud, placing the work in context, development of a poetic voice, the integrity of the line in open form, stanza formation, use of form and/or rhyme (if applicable), making connections to contemporary poets and others in literary history, and suggestions for revisions. It is understood that there will be different styles and tastes so tolerance for a diversity of poetry is paramount in the workshop and the mentor/student relationship. During the semester, as mentors learn students’ strength and interests, they will direct students toward particular poets from whom they can learn. The single poem as a discreet work of art is usually the focus in workshop, but during the semester students may be urged to group poems in sequence, work with a series of poems take a framework such as the persona poem, linked formal poems, or narrative verse.
Contact us:
MFA Office: (502) 873-4400 or (800) 896-8941, ext. 4400
mfa@spalding.edu
FAX: (502) 992-2409
MFA in Writing
Spalding University
851 South Fourth Street
Louisville, KY 40203
