Massachusetts Statewide Poetry Calendar

Give new life to old texts by writing found poetry, which is poetry composed by cutting up and/or manipulating preexisting texts and turning them into new poems.
We'll look at examples of found poems for inspiration, and then we'll have time to craft our own poems using would-be-discarded materials. We will provide some materials, but feel free to bring anything you have that you might want to use: newspapers, magazines, books, appliance instructions, product packaging, anything with words on it will work!
This workshop is open to writers of any experience level!

Just because a poem is small doesn't mean it can't be all the things a longer poem can be: surprising, moving, teaching, beautiful, funny, joyful, strange-the list could go on forever! We’ll go on a trail walk to observe and connect with nature and then we’ll write some micropoems. Participants will have the option of incorporating art into their work and making their mini-poems into wearable pinback buttons.This event will be partially outdoors, so please dress according to the weather. Experienced and beginner poets/artists welcome!

Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird. Except there are infinite ways of looking, and infinite birds to look at!
In this generative writing workshop, you'll have the opportunity to observe various species of birds and generate ideas for and drafts of your own poetry. We'll read examples of poetry that uses bird imagery and/or bird behavior to explore human emotions and issues. We'll then go for a trail walk, noticing the birds that surround us: what they look like, what they're doing, how we can see ourselves in them, how our presence affects them. Participants will have the opportunity to spend time exploring on their own and responding to themed writing prompts. Then we’ll reconvene to share our experiences: what we wrote, observed or thought about.

Zines are self-published handmade booklets of writing and art that are folded or bound in a DIY-manner (such as with staples) and printed/circulated on a small scale. Zines can be used for many kinds of writing, such as poetry, essays, manifestos, stories, almost any genre or topic. In this workshop, we'll talk about zines, look at some examples, observe nature for inspiration, and then make our own zines! Art supplies will be provided, and participants can use natural materials gathered on a trail walk to create and decorate their zines. Participants will also have the option to share and discuss their work with others. This event will be partially outdoors, so please dress according to the weather. Experienced and beginner poets/artists welcome!