Creative Writing for Older Adults

Poetry for Creative Writers

People can express themselves so many different ways—through dance, through painting, through song. Why choose poetry? What can twentieth-century poet Marianne Moore have meant when she defined good poetry as something that creates “imaginary gardens with real toads in them”? Sure, it makes sense that poems should be “imaginary” in some way. But what does poetry have to do with toads? (Or with gardens, for that matter?) Why do we write poems, how do we find our way to writing poetry, and how can we tell when we’ve done it?

This creative writing class will not offer any final answers to these (or any other) questions. Rather, in a safe environment that emphasizes respectful attention to each other’s language and a playful, uncritical approach to the writing process, we will pursue our shared purpose of exploring a wide range of poetic styles and topics. From rhyming verse to free verse, from imaginary gardens to real toads and beyond—we will read poems to suit all tastes and try out a wide range of strategies for pursuing the elusive muse. If you have ever wondered whether poetry has to rhyme (the short answer is no!), wondered why certain poems have such power to move you (song lyrics count!), or thought that you might like to try writing a poem or two yourself (why not!), if you would like more practice thinking about language like a poet (yes, that’s a thing!), you might enjoy this ten-week workshop. No experience necessary.

*Limited to 12 participants

For questions, please send an email to gm@riverviewcc.ca

Cancellation policy – class withdrawals will be at the discretion of the instructor and the general manager. All refunds will be subject to a $20 processing fee.