Lifting Off: The Art of the Poem's Beginning

Class Description

Often, we decide whether to keep reading a poem after just a couple of lines–so how can we write beginnings that invite, enthrall, or entrance a reader, while also setting up the rest of the poem? In this seminar, we will closely read poems by the likes of Ross Gay, Elizabeth Bishop, Lucille Clifton, and Frank O'Hara to see how they begin to weave their spells, and we will especially consider the role of revision in making a good beginning. (After all, a poem's start may be the last part written.)

Students will use prompts to generate a couple of whiz-bang starts, and they may also bring a draft of a poem for a quick workshop aimed at revising the beginning.

Class Format

This class will take place using Zoom videoconferencing. About 15 minutes before your class is scheduled to begin, you'll receive an email from your instructor with a link to join the class meeting!

Scholarship Information

Thanks to the excellent literary citizenship of our donors, scholarships are available for all GrubStreet classes. To apply, click the gray "APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP" button. In order to be considered for a scholarship, you must complete your application at least one week before the start date of a class. Please await our scholarship committee's decision before registering for the class. We cannot hold spots in classes, so the sooner you apply, the better. Scholarships cannot be applied retroactively.

For more more detailed information about GrubStreet scholarships, including how to contribute to scholarship funds for other students, click here.