Written by Johnathan Tignor
On the eve of first block’s fourth week, a crowd of poetry enthusiasts settled in at Sacred Grounds for an unforgettable set of performances. Students from the Advanced Poetry Workshop left no one disappointed as they shared their hard work and spoke the words from their souls.
While some poems were funny and others emotional, each one connected and resonated powerfully with the audience (it is always entertaining to hear the communal breaths and gasps at poetry readings). The purpose of Sunday’s reading was to exhibit the work of the Advanced Poetry Workshop students, otherwise known as the “Advanced Poetry Eight,” as Professor Jane Hilberry affectionately introduced them.
As the second tier of poetry writing within the Creative Writing Major, the workshop develops a community that allows experienced poets to truly hone their craft, as well as give them an opportunity to share their work with peers. Hilberry likes to implement a theme whenever she leads the workshop; this block she chose to focus on wildness. “I came up with the theme about two weeks before the class started,” said Hilberry. “All great poems have wildness, without it there is no poem. Wildness directs us to connection with an imagination greater than the ego.”
Despite working on a common theme, the poets showcased a wide array of diversity in their literary skills and identities. Each poet took wildness to mean something different and represented it in their own ways, whether it be through eroticism, naturalism, or even ancient mythology. By the end of the night, everyone in attendance learned something about what it means to be wild.
“I was so proud of them at the reading . . . I think a sign of health in a workshop is difference and everyone going toward their own sense. Individualism can’t be prescribed,” responded Hilberry when asked about the outcome of the class. “I feel like they were able to gain a larger sense of themselves as poets.”
Hilberry’s sentiment rang true at the reading; each poet’s performance filled Sacred Grounds with a different and unique vibe that reflected their personal individuality.
One talented poet of the evening, junior Miles Lowe, implemented rhythmic flow in his work and addressed both emotionally real and beautifully abstract topics. Lowe finds his distinction as a writer in his style and adaptability.
“One way I think I’m different is that I try to describe darkness in a joyful way,” described Lowe. “I think I’ve changed a lot as a writer. I change every month or so. Lately, I’ve been trying to incorporate more hip-hop rhythms in my writing,” he added.
At Sacred Grounds, Lowe expressed his wildness through tone and rhythm in a way that really connected with the crowd. He would often even look into the audience instead of reading off the page. “I thought the reading provided great opportunity to share with others in an intimate setting,” Lowe said.
Unlike Lowe, senior Clare Holtzman creates her unique wildness through deeply emotional and erotic poems. “They’re pretty crass,” she said. “I don’t shy away from emotional intensity.”
Holtzman took risks with her writing by interweaving it with profound emotional and personal subjects. Past relationships were brought to life with her words, and the audience could feel the magnitude of Holtzman’s poetry radiate through the room.
Eventually, the reading came to an end, and Sacred Grounds filled with abundant applause and a yearning for more. I walked away speechless from the overflowing talent, searching for ways to be more wild.