At the end of last year I took an online course called 'How to Make a Poem' which was developed by Manchester Metropolitan University and made available via Future Learn (my favourite, free online course provider). This was me starting out on my first formal poetry exploration... Yes, I'd read some poetry in school and I've bought books of poems over the years too, but I'd never really written much properly and the process and technicalities intrigued me - well, I do love to learn new things.
The course title was specifically chosen, it's not just about writing but also covered things like 'found' poetry, inspiration and how poets worked through their creative process - there were interesting videos to discuss this. And as well as learning about some of the technicalities, we were encouraged to create our own poems and received feedback from other students on the course. The last of these exercises was to write a poem from scratch, then develop and refine it, and I thought I would share my final version with you below.
If you're interested in learning about poetry and making some for yourself I can certainly recommend the course - the online environment created by the university was very supportive and understanding, helping reduce the scariness of sharing your work, and as a result some of the participants set up a Facebook group to stay in touch.
Perhaps you would like to give making poetry a go? I certainly enjoyed the experience and learnt so much, now all I have to do is attempt to keep creating...!
My Mother’s Dictionary
Small in stature, yet falling apart,
with depths and gifts untold,
the delicate, worn-out cover
envelops generations of old.
The learning of a thousand years
slips easily into my pocket,
holds memories of Mum and school
much more than any locket.
Upfront a legacy,
a promise from the past,
that knowledge and wonder, in equal measure,
are guaranteed to last.
The course title was specifically chosen, it's not just about writing but also covered things like 'found' poetry, inspiration and how poets worked through their creative process - there were interesting videos to discuss this. And as well as learning about some of the technicalities, we were encouraged to create our own poems and received feedback from other students on the course. The last of these exercises was to write a poem from scratch, then develop and refine it, and I thought I would share my final version with you below.
If you're interested in learning about poetry and making some for yourself I can certainly recommend the course - the online environment created by the university was very supportive and understanding, helping reduce the scariness of sharing your work, and as a result some of the participants set up a Facebook group to stay in touch.
Perhaps you would like to give making poetry a go? I certainly enjoyed the experience and learnt so much, now all I have to do is attempt to keep creating...!
My Mother’s Dictionary
Small in stature, yet falling apart,
with depths and gifts untold,
the delicate, worn-out cover
envelops generations of old.
The learning of a thousand years
slips easily into my pocket,
holds memories of Mum and school
much more than any locket.
Upfront a legacy,
a promise from the past,
that knowledge and wonder, in equal measure,
are guaranteed to last.
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