What have I learned about poetry this semester? I can only say that one thing really comes to mind. It’s the fact that poetry is a lock that is unlocked every time that you write a poem. This class introduced me to the elements of quality poetry and allowed me to practice those elements by writing my own poems. I learned how to recognize abstract and concrete imagery. I was able to use simile, metaphor, symbol and personification in my work. I learned about line breaks, non traditional punctuation, and white space. I also experimented with traditional forms and learned to recognize iambic pentameter.
When I look back over all my years of formal education, from preschool through college, only a few classes stand out as truly educational in a life-changing way. The main difference between a regular class and this intro to writing poetry class, is that poetry is interactive. Poetry writing is a wonderful adventure, allowing me to indulge in wild loops of imagination and satisfy some of my deepest mysteries, and struggles in my life.Working together with fellow students, critiquing each other’s work, asking questions, and exchanging insights. Whatever I can learn from a single instructor is infinitely multiplied by all the knowledge and wisdom that I’ve gain by sharing ideas with a room full of peers.
Overall, poetry like this class is hard to described and that’s what I like most about it. The mystery that it brings makes you want to read more of its kind. At the beginning of this year I looked at poetry as something that rhymed and had a catchy positive flow about it. I was wrong. After a week in this class I have seen something different come about. I now see poetry beyond rhyming and making full sense but really about getting your poem across and connecting to other readers. A good poem doesn’t just come out and tell you what it is about. It leads you into it, forcing you to read between the lines.There is one poem in mind that I have written on my tumblr that is called, “May 17th.” It’s a poem that I have been working since the beginning of the semester, making the iMovie brought it to life. But that wasn’t the last time that I would see or hear that poem. It comes to mind whenever things are going wrong. It helps build me back up when things don’t seem fair.
Thank you so much Dr. Pruss
