The Weird in the Wild: Exploring Eco Poetry

An Eco Poetry Workshop with Creative Resident Caitlin Scarano

May you study the pink of yourself. Know yourself riverine and coast. May you taste the fresh and the saltwater of yourself and know what only you can know. May you live in the mouth of the river, meeting place of the tides, may all blessings flow through you.
-Alexis Pauline Gumbs, Undrowned: Black Feminist Lessons from Marine Mammals

This poetry workshop is for poets of any stage and background who want to explore the complexity, queerness, and surreality of nature and ecology through poetry. Even if you’re new to nature writing or poetry, this course welcomes you!

In this workshop, we will consider the question of what eco-poetry (also known as natural poetry) is and can be, especially in the current temper of our times, by reading a sampling of contemporary writers of a variety of backgrounds and styles. We’ll look at the ways those writers use specific techniques of poetry and lyricality to engage with the natural world, ecology, and place.

We’ll talk about how to represent the strange wildness inherent in nature and how it can help us connect with the wildness inherent in ourselves. Then we’ll write (with the option to share!) some of our own eco-poems through on-site interactive writing prompts that will get us out into Bloedel Reserve.

Learn more about Caitlin here.

WHERE
This event is held indoors at the Japanese Guest House and will involve time outdoors as well.

WHEN
Wednesday, September 4, 12:30 PM–4 PM

COST
$15

Donations of any amount are gratefully accepted on Welcome Wednesdays when you purchase tickets to the workshop.