Moderators: Nancy Denig
Role of participants: Each participant will choose a poet from the list provided, compile a packet of 10-15 poems, print ten copies, make a brief presentation of information on the poet and facilitate the readings and comments.
Number of participants (including the moderators): 10
Time: Wednesdays, 2:00–4:00 pm [Note: later time]
Place: Rockridge Retirement Community, Library, 25 Coles Meadow Road, Northampton
Parking: Ample parking on site

How do you make a poem your own? Read it aloud. Savor the words. Read it aloud again. Listen to the rhythm and message(s). Read it a third time. Let it sing and let it soak in.

In this seminar we will choose from a list of 49 poets laureate of the United States, starting in 1937. They are appointed by the Librarian of Congress, with a loosely defined directive to promote poetry. All participants will participate in the reading of the poems, to be read aloud three times, allowing some time for comments before the final reading.

Format: Seminar

Resources: Libraries, internet, book loans from the moderator or other participants. Book purchases are optional.

The moderators:  Bob Barker, a geologist by training, has written poetry for a number of years. Nancy Denig, a landscape architect by training, has published two books of her poetry.

Additional Information:  This seminar is all about experiencing the spoken word and listening to the music of language. It is not intended as a venue for literary criticism or other academic approaches to poetry.