WORKSHOPS WITH JANE
Jane Seabourne is a widely published writer and poet whose credits include The Guardian and Mslexia. She has lived on both sides of Offa’s Dyke, having grown up in South Wales, and is now retiring from teaching. She lives in Tettenhall, Wolverhampton. You can purchase copies of Jane’s wonderful collections, Bright Morning and Our Beautiful Scars, both selected as ‘Recommended Reading’ by West Midlands’ librarians (Poetry on Loan) via the Offa’s Press shop. Email: [email protected]
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WORKSHOP SEPTEMBER 2023
Today's theme was HOPE
We discussed Emily Dickinson's poem 'Hope' before generating ideas for writing our own version on the same theme.
Emily Dickinson's poem is both structured and rhyming.
We weren't ask to decide up on form, rhyme, metre etc., the brief was to write down our thoughts on 'hope' to find the makings of a poem following Emily Dickinson's theme 'Hope'.
The exercise provided a helpful understanding of how to approach writing a piece with an abstract theme using original thoughts and ideas of one's own. By the end of the session we had all produced written notes listing thoughts, ideas, phrases, the building blocks with which to produce a poem.
Today's theme was HOPE
We discussed Emily Dickinson's poem 'Hope' before generating ideas for writing our own version on the same theme.
Emily Dickinson's poem is both structured and rhyming.
We weren't ask to decide up on form, rhyme, metre etc., the brief was to write down our thoughts on 'hope' to find the makings of a poem following Emily Dickinson's theme 'Hope'.
The exercise provided a helpful understanding of how to approach writing a piece with an abstract theme using original thoughts and ideas of one's own. By the end of the session we had all produced written notes listing thoughts, ideas, phrases, the building blocks with which to produce a poem.
HOPE by Emily Dickinson
Hope is the thing with feathers - That perches in the soul - And sings the tune without the words - And never stops - at all - And sweetest - in the Gale - is heard - And sore must be the storm - That could abash the little Bird That kept so many warm - I've heard it in the chillest land - And on the srangest Sea - Yet - never - in Extremity, It asked a crumb - of me. |
Emily Elizabeth Dickinson (1830 –1886) was an American poet. Little-known during her life, she has since been regarded as one of the most important figures in American poetry. She was born in Amherst, Massachusetts, into a prominent family with strong ties to its community. After studying at the Amherst Academy for seven years in her youth, she briefly attended the Mount Holyoke Female Seminary before returning to her family's home in Amherst. Evidence suggests that Dickinson lived much of her life in isolation. Considered an eccentric by locals, she developed a penchant for white clothing and was known for her reluctance to greet guests or, later in life, even to leave her bedroom. Dickinson never married, and most of her friendships were based entirely upon correspondence.
While Dickinson was a prolific writer, her only publications during her lifetime were 10 of her nearly 1,800 poems, and one letter. The poems published then were usually edited significantly to fit conventional poetic rules. Her poems were unique for her era; they contain short lines, typically lack titles, and often use slant rhyme as well as unconventional capitalization and punctuation. Many of her poems deal with themes of death and immortality, two recurring topics in letters to her friends, and also explore aesthetics, society, nature, and spirituality. Although Dickinson's acquaintances were most likely aware of her writing, it was not until after her death in 1886—when Lavinia, her younger sister, discovered her cache of poems—that her work became public. Her first collection of poetry was published in 1890 by personal acquaintances |
Hope
Hope is a vessel That quenches my thirst Gives me time to think. The sweetest taste; Bitter thoughts Hope cannot be bought. My empty cup Now filled with hope Waits till the storm is past. Cora Boffey |
Hope
Heartfelt thoughts with Optimistic prayers for help Placed in supreme hands Earnestly awaiting the reply. Cora Boffey (Acrostic poem) |
Hope
Into the dustbin, all the rubbish, worries and fears are hidden away - where positive thoughts pull between magnets - Until - my Bin is nearly full, bursting with anger and frustration. Acrostic Poem How inspiring Others can be - Potential wrapped Eagerly in a few words Maggie Storer |
WORKSHOP MARCH 2023
Jane provided an interesting theme and began by reading a poem by Charlotte Mitchell (see below). The writer lists her thoughts on what to pack and speculates the eventualities of her forthcoming trip. Our task was to compose a poem about a real visit we are going to make. How we anticipate and visualise the event, starting with the line. "I'm going to..." To prepare the poem we were advised to make lists i.e. clothes, people, things that might happen who we might meet etc. In the "example poem" characteristics are revealed in the 'telling': try the exercise and discover how you feel about an upcoming event.
Jane provided an interesting theme and began by reading a poem by Charlotte Mitchell (see below). The writer lists her thoughts on what to pack and speculates the eventualities of her forthcoming trip. Our task was to compose a poem about a real visit we are going to make. How we anticipate and visualise the event, starting with the line. "I'm going to..." To prepare the poem we were advised to make lists i.e. clothes, people, things that might happen who we might meet etc. In the "example poem" characteristics are revealed in the 'telling': try the exercise and discover how you feel about an upcoming event.
Just In Case by Charlotte Mitchell
I’m going to the sea for the weekend, in a couple of days I’ll be back, so I’ll just take my little brown suit and a blouse and a beret and carry my mac. But what if the house is a cold one, the house where I’m going to stay, no fires after April, no hot drinks at night and the windows wide open all day? I’d better take one – no, two cardies and my long tartan scarf for my head, and my chaste new pyjamas in case they decide to bring me my breakfast in bed, and what about church on Sunday? I could wear my beret and suit, but if it were sunny, it would be a chance to wear my straw hat with the fruit. I can’t wear my little brown suit, though not with the straw and the fruit, so I’ll just take a silk dress to go with the straw and a silk scarf to go with the suit. I’ll just take my jeans and that jumper in case we go out in the car, and my Guernsey in case we go out in a boat and d’you know where my swimming things are? D’you think I should take that black velvet in case they’ve booked seats for a play? And is it still usual to take your own towel when you go somewhere to stay? I had thought of just taking slippers, but they do look disgustingly old, I’d better take best shoes and sandals and boots for the church and the heat and the cold. I daren’t go without my umbrella in case I’m dressed up and it rains; I’m bound to need socks and my wellies for walking down long muddy lanes. I’d rather not take my old dressing gown, it is such a business to pack, but s’pose they have breakfast before they get dressed I’d have to have mine in my mac. I’m going away for the weekend, in a couple of days I’ll be back, so I’ll just take my little brown suit and a blouse, two cardies, my long tartan scarf, my chaste new pyjamas my straw hat with the fruit, my silk dress, my silk scarf, my jeans, that jumper, my Guernsey, my swimming things, my black velvet, my towel, my slippers (no one need see them) my sandals, my boots, my umbrella my socks, my wellies my dressing gown, no, not my dressing gown, Ok my dressing gown, and a beret and carry my mac. Just in Case – Dilemma I’m going to a ball next month It’s a black tie do I’ve got to get another dress Last years just won’t do I’ve sent for one off internet It’s black with a Bridget Bardot neck I could borrow my daughter's, now That would hit the spot. The one from internet sits Just below my knee Might not be suitable for all to see I’ve got a silver necklace, it really Is quite bold Would it be suitable for a Bridget Bardot neck? It’s really quite sweet It would look neat; But too much leg; would make hubby freak. Now the one that I could borrow The one that fits all The one that’s very sleek and Goes right down to my feet It’s got a cross over back; Can I go without a bra? Send for some special aids There supposed to do the trick Tick the box, and pop them in The basket, they should come quick. I’m off out tonight Black tie do Cross over dress perfect Bra cups, I threw! Now I’m going bra less And I’ve got no stress. Cora Boffey |
My Granddaughter’s Wedding
I’m going to my granddaughter’s wedding. We’re not staying over you know. They didn’t have room at the venue. We’ll be back before 8ish or so. But what if we meet lots of traffic? And what if we’re needing the loo? We’d better make plans for the journey And fit in a stop-over too. And what if my dress is all creased With sitting so long in the car? I can’t take another one with me, The journey is just a bit far. And what if I spill something down me, The soup or champagne on my dress? I cannot imagine the turmoil Of being in such a mess. And what if I get my back problem And I can’t sit or stand without fuss? I mustn’t forget to take with me That girdle that’s really a truss. And what if it rains in a downpour? The brides will be thoroughly soaked. I’ll have to hold back the tears And I know I’ll be sad and all choked. Perhaps we’ll not go in the end though, We’ll make an excuse and stay home. Or maybe he can go without me. I’m sure he’d be better alone. Maggie Storer First Birthday Party
I'm going to Finley's first party. Our great grandson, he's number six. Several small people will be there so watch out for one or two tricks. We'll see Freddie, he's Finley's brother, The Shifnal cousins, they're Josh and Jai, Ralf and Rory, their younger brothers, it could well be a lively day. A further three cousins from Lichfield Are coming to join our boys that's Livvy and Bodie and Lily, To help raise the level of noise. Also grandmas, aunties and uncles, Great Grandpa and a few friends too... We oldies will hover on the fringes thinking we've arrived at the zoo. Kiddies will be on the rampage we'll watch the excitement rise and if anyone takes a tumble we'll be there to dry their eyes. In my handbag I'll have the wet wipes sticky hands and faces to sort That's if we are able to catch them a well practised geriatric sport. Then they’ll stage the grand finale of presents, and cards and cake we'll sing "Happy Birthday" to Finley, If we oldies are all still awake. Betty Taylor Hospital stay
I’m going to hospital In a private room The list of essentials is very short But I could be there for two weeks I need to take nighties – it says one I’ll take two just in case I vomit on one My cotton faded one for post op and recovery My new M&S ankle length in white broidery anglaise Hopefully I’ll get some visitors when I’m looking better My holiday wash bag, wish I was going somewhere else The list says face cloth, never use one but better follow rules Bar of soap, don’t forget or it will be hospital carbolic My blue sponge for the shower, toothpaste and brush Two towels. I’ll need more than that. Non slip slippers, boot style for safety’s sake Dressing gown – my cosy velour or summer cotton? Hospitals are always too hot. But I may sit outside if it’s sunny, so better pack both My favourite books, poems and a novel. I’m going to hospital in a private room I could be there for two weeks I’m packing two nighties, my wash bag, nice soap Face cloth and sponge Four towels Old woman slippers My old cotton nightie New white nightie Summer dressing gown Two or three books My velour dressing gown, nearly forgot I’ll have to carry that, it asks for small overnight bag. Andie Green |