on poetry

“Maybe you’re one of those people who writes poems, but rarely reads them. Let me put this as delicately as I can: If you don’t read, your writing is going to suck.”
Kim Addonizio
(b. July 31, 1954)
. . . . .
quote: Ordinary Genius: A Guide for the Poet Within
photo: Tan Lin

free poetry…

Perhaps, in recent months, you’ve been following the buzz about university courses that are offered free online. Coursera consolidates many of those courses (341 at the moment) into a single online catalog where you can explore, register and enroll in programs from 62 universities.

Yesterday we mentioned Pulitzer Remix, which, in addition to being a month-long found poetry project, has also become an online community for the 85 participating poets. Sheila Sondik (thanks again, Sheila) tells us that the University of Pennsylvania online course Modern & Contemporary American Poetry has been highly recommended among Remixers. “Apparently, it is really worthwhile even if you only read the poems and watch the videos.”

The ten-week course, which is taught by Al Filreis and is entirely free, begins September 8, 2013. No previous knowledge of poetry is required, nor do you need to buy textbooks or show up at a particular time for online sessions. Read more about Modern & Contemporary American Poetry or explore other programs available free online through Coursera.

It’s Children’s Book Week – May 2-8, 2011

In celebration of Children’s Book Week, why not read some poetry? Read it aloud, catch the rhythms, enjoy the images…and the humor! Visit your local independent bookstore, like Village Books in Bellingham and Open Books in Seattle, or your local library, for some great suggestions. (By the way, Village Books has a Kids’ Open Mic at Book Fare Cafe on Wednesday, May 4 at 4:30pm, plus other events scheduled throughout the week.)