Whether You Like it or Not: A Poetry Appreciation Salon with Kim Baker

When was the last time you read a poem just to enjoy it? Maybe you already like poetry. Or maybe you have never understood poetry. Or even hate it. Heaven forbid! This program is designed to introduce — or perhaps reintroduce — you to some of the basics of poetry. And maybe even change your heart hardened to poetry after a bad high school experience.

We will consider beloved and new-to-you poets and their poems. To understand the basics of poetry. To differentiate poetry from other writing art forms. Each four-week session will consider a beloved poet with whom you may be very familiar, starting with Mary Oliver, and a few most excellent poets you may not know but will be glad you were introduced to.

This is a relaxed salon atmosphere. No right or wrong answers about “what the poem means.” We will do close readings that each poem deserves: of poetic style, music within, and figurative language. And most importantly, we want to hear how the poem resonates, or not, with you. And why. If anyone is interested in trying a hand at writing a poem, I can offer a prompt to write in the style of a poem we discuss. But this will be up to you.

Mostly, we will read each poem quietly and out loud. And like Michaelangelo pondering the slab of marble that would become the Pieta or the David, listen for the message within wanting to come out. By the end of four weeks, you will decide if poetry is for you. My hope is that you will consider poetry with fresh eyes and an open heart and that you will be longing for more.

Registered students will receive the Zoom link 30 min before class begins.

4 Wednesdays, Jan 6-Jan 27
11am-12pm
$60