Demystifying Poetry: The Art & Joy of Befriending Verse

Join us for a vibrant reading and writing workshop that will illuminate how poetry works as a literary craft on the page and enriches our daily lives as an imaginative "companion." The program will combine guided discussions and readings, short writing exercises, and eye-opening demonstrations that will teach you how the essential aspects of poetic craft—language, imagery, and musicality—interact in any great poem to artistically depict the unifying human truths, ideas, and emotions that kindle at its core.

Whether you’re a reader who’s looking to foster a more joyous and confident relationship with poetry, or a writer striving to enhance your poetic skills and style, adults of all experience and interest levels will benefit from this fun, far-reaching class, which celebrates the principle that attentive reading is the key to great writing. As Mary Oliver advises: “To write well, it is entirely necessary to read widely and deeply. Good poems are the best teachers. Perhaps they are the only teachers.”

Please note: Space for this workshop is limited. If you are no longer able to attend, please make sure to cancel your registration so that another person may participate.

About the presenter

Danielle Gasparro is a Hudson River Valley-based wordsmith, songsmith, and teaching artist. She holds an MFA in Poetry from New England College and a BA in Creative Writing with honors from Florida State University. After dedicating nearly twenty years to performing, recording, and developing an avid national audience as an independent singer-songwriter Gasparro shifted her creative life and lens to her work as a literary artist. A published poet and passionate educator, Gasparro regularly leads a wide range of popular workshops, works as a private writing mentor and serves public high school English students as a guest presenter throughout New York City and the Hudson Valley.