Reading Contemporary Poetry - January 2025

Join Marion and Barbara to discuss books by three contemporary poets for whom English is their second language. In their own ways these writers write beautiful poetry exploring the insights and tensions provided by their multicultural backgrounds and varied heritages.

Beginning with German born Lisel Mueller, we will read her imaginative and lyrically reflective book, Second Language. In our second session we’ll move to Pure Lizard, by Sujata Bhatt, who grew up in Prune, India and then moved to the United States. Bhatt uses fascinating juxtapositions and the natural world to explore themes of transformation. For our final session we’ll read Nebraska, by Kwame Dawes. Born in Ghana, raised in Jamaica, Dawes now lives in Nebraska and uses that state’s broad, sweeping landscape as a background to explore themes of displacement.

No matter how familiar you are with poetry, we invite you to an open and welcoming conversation. Every session will offer several generative prompts based on the topics and poetic style exemplified by each of the three books.

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Details: Reading Contemporary Poetry takes place Tuesdays January 21, February 4, and February 18 from 1-3pm remotely through Zoom.

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Genre: Poetry

Level: All experience levels welcome.

Format: Literary analysis and discussion with generative writing outside of class.

Location: This class takes place remotely online via Zoom.

Size: Limited to 15 participants (including scholarships).

Suggested Sequence: Follow this class with a craft and/or generative poetry workshop.

Scholarships: Two scholarship spots are available for this class for writers in Northeast Ohio. Apply by April 15.

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