Course:CRWR 501P-003 (This class!)

CRWR 501P 003
Advanced Writing of Poetry
Instructor:Dr. Bronwen Tate Email: Bronwen.tate@ubc.ca Office: Buchanan E #456
Important Course Pages
Inspirations & Influences
Categories
Sources of Inspiration and Influence Aardvark Book of Poems Book of Poems by a Living Poet Choufleur Conflicted, Ambivalent, or Antagonistic Feelings CRWR 501 People Encountered Before Twelve Essay Fiction Films Fox Gemini Music Orchid Otis Places Poem Composed Before 1945 Poetic Prose Sadcactussometimesblooms Song, Painting, Film, Etc. Souris Yarrow Yellow Silver

I hesitated to write this entry for fear of it being perceived as fawning or something, but in all honesty this class (CRWR 501P-003) and the web of poets connected to it have profoundly influenced me as a writer. I've been writing poetry for most of my life, and this is the first time I've allowed myself to think of myself as a poet. Lyricist? Of course. Dramatist? For years. But only now a poet. I think this is because finally I've had the chance to share my work with others, and to write poetry in conversation. Until now, mine has been a very solitary, often lonely practice. I always wrote alone. My poems have lived and died as fragments in old journals. I've only once taken part in a poetry slam. I've never taken a poetry class! I feel bereft that for so long I've denied myself (or been unaware of?) this opportunity for connection.

This term, for the first time, I saw a poem of my own printed in a booklet alongside the work of my peers, and I realized how much poetry the world has room for. There are so many ways to be a poet! What joy there is in sharing! I've been inspired and nourished by everyone's work, and motivated to contribute to the feast. I have felt welcomed and heard. I can't tell you what a gift this is.

Thank you, poets of CRWR 501P-003. Thank you, Bronwen. I'll never forget this experience.