2018 Massachusetts Poetry Festival

Political/Civic Poetry will include a brief overview of what political American poetry has historically included. Subjects such as environmental concerns, oppression, policing policies and practices, speaking truth to power, and agitation for change will be explored. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience examples of political poetry, but the emphasis will be on writing poetry based on visual and oral prompts. Those attending will be encouraged to share their poems with opportunities for discussion with the entire group.

In our age of instant communication and the prevalence of social media in our society, information, much of which is not fact checked, can be disseminated on a global scale.  Poets now have the ability to question executive orders, Tweets, and the ramifications of policies almost immediately, but they must be aware of their power to do so wherever they are on the political spectrum. Also, our political climate of “them” vs. “us” requires dialogue, and poetry can provide the opening to begin much needed discussions.