Dive into Poetry: reading & writing poetry about water, 19 March 2023
A splash of new Dive into Poetry reading and writing sessions for 2023!
The most enjoyable way to share and learn poetry is in a regular small group. In the first hour of these workshops we’ll discuss an inspiring themed batch of poems sent in advance with a particular theme. We’ll look in depth at the poems and poetic techniques with expert guidance. The discussions in themselves are rich and life-enhancing.
Then, after a short break, we’ll write together inspired by the poems and share our writing.
Expect rich discussions and lots of creative ideas for writing.
Poetry enriches our lives. It helps us express our shared humanity. Conversations about poetry are some of the most rewarding and enjoyable I’ve ever had.
DATES & THEMES
Sunday 22nd January: A theme for the new year. Beginnings that spark connection, recognition, reflection, a moment caught in change when what comes next is somehow new and different. How do poems explore the start of something? Every moment has an essence of new beginning: some weigh more than others. Of course, there’s no beginnings without endings too. What trips you into life afresh?
Sunday 19th March: Water water everywhere! Explore the essential element of water – rivers, oceans, rain, wells, floods, tears… Transformations and meanings in water abound. Water is illusive, ever changing and yet all encompassing as it makes up 60% of our bodies. It’s a connector, a life-giver, a place-maker, a symbol of emotion, an agent of danger or rejuvenation.
More themes & dates to be announced from May.
COST & TIMING
One session: GBP £27
There’s a discount for those who have been to Dive sessions before and also if you are in my home state of Western Australia. Contact me.
For other currencies, including $AUD, a cost effective exchange rate is automatically calculated by STRIPE.
UK time 10.30am to 1pm
Perth, Australia 630pm to 9pm
Others in Australia are most welcome – the timing might be less friendly over winter, starting 9.30pm Sydney time // 8.30pm Brisbane etc
A useful link for checking other timezones: https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/meeting.html
2.5hours for each session (with a short break in the middle)
maximum 12 people
ABOUT THE FACILITATOR
Australian Cath Drake’s collection ‘The Shaking City’ (Seren Books) was highly commended in the 2020 Forward Prizes, longlisted in the international Laurel Prize and described by TS Eliot winner Philip Gross as ‘a guide to staying clear-eyed, combative and caring in unsettling times.’. It follows ‘Sleeping with Rivers’ which won the Seren/Mslexia poetry pamphlet prize and was a Poetry Book Society choice. Cath’s prizes include a second in the 2017 Resurgence Poetry School eco-poetry prize (now called Ginkgo) and highly commended in 2019. She teaches writing in the UK, Australia and online. She’s an award-winning journalist and nonfiction writer and also a mindfulness teacher.
… a good poem creates an enchantment … a sudden surge of curiosity, interest, emotion, a momentary spell of heightened awareness, heightened emotional vulnerability, heightened imaginative sensitivity … I try to create a room in which something important is happening, will happen or has happened.
Poet, Dana Gioia
