CRI Literature: Poetry   

In this course, we will explore the work of four metaphysical poets: John Donne (1572-1631), George Herbert (1593-1633), Andrew Marvell (1621-1678), and Henry Vaughan (1622-1695). These poets reflected on themes both sacred and secular in intricate and often astonishing language. It was Dr. Samuel Johnson who labeled them "metaphysical," and he did not intend it as a compliment! We will focus on the sacred poems, and their extraordinary visions of the human and the divine, time and eternity. Optional recommended text: “Metaphysical Poetry,” Edited by Christopher Ricks, Penguin, 2006 (available in print and digital editions).
 

Haiku is the sole form of poetry that makes nature into a spiritual journey. Originating in Japan, haiku emphasizes being in the moment. Traditional haiku uses 17syllables (5-7-5). However, we will see that contemporary haiku is a little more free form in style. In this course, the instructor will share photographs online so participants can try their hand at composing haiku during class. It will be a relaxed atmosphere to maximize the fun and enjoyment of writing haiku poems. The course text is “Three Simple Lines: A Writer’s Pilgrimage into the Heart and Homeland of Haiku” by Natalie Goldberg.

In addition to being a peace activist, a professor, and a husband and father, Northwest poet William Stafford (1914-1993) famously wrote a poem every day throughout much of his life. He said it was a matter of being alert, of paying attention to "the now-ness of things," and he urged students, readers, and his children to make attention their practice, too. He is truly a poet that we need in these times of distraction and disconnection. In this class we will take a look at a few of Stafford’s short essays about poem-making, and read and discuss poems from his posthumous collection, “Ask Me: 100 Essential Poems.”