by Yamuna H., age 19.
Surrounded by bricks, concrete, smog, and metal struts, a dozen WriteGirls poised their pens atop blank pages and turned to their senses for inspiration. It wasn’t the most natural outdoor setting, workshop leader Carol Cellucci admitted apologetically, but it was ripe with creative possibility.
Workshop leader Carol Cellucci
Sensory experience often creates the most resonant details of poetry. The external world of touch, taste, scent, sound, and sight becomes vivid description in the hands of a poet. The sixth sense, the internal world of emotion and intuition, is harder to convey but just as important.
Carol Cellucci, a seasoned writer and professor, visited WriteGirl’s office on Friday, August 4th. To begin the two-hour workshop, she gave each girl a list of unfinished metaphors to complete. The writers gave a wide range of answers – one completed “she spun off; she is a ____” with “hummingbird,” while another filled in “dryer stuffed with clothes that nobody wants.” Above all, the girls were encouraged to create metaphors that reflected a vivid sensory experience.
After the metaphor exercise, Carol took the workshop outside. Under the canopy of trees and wires, the workshop ended on a contemplative note as the aspiring poets started their next piece with, “If I could.” Ruby P., age 14, wrote,
“If I could have perfection,
it would be hell.
If I could have everything,
my life would be stale.
If I could turn dreams to reality,
my fantasy would be bored.
If I could fix everything,
there would only be silence.
If I could live forever,
death would be joy.
If I could, I wouldn’t.”
Wow! What a powerful piece Ruby wrote. I’m so glad you ladies had such an enriching poetic experience. Keep it up!
What a great article–I love how the writer describes the rugged, urban setting of the workshop. Poetry can happen anywhere! It sounds like it was a great workshop experience.
Sounds like a wonderful workshop. I really enjoyed Ruby’s piece! Thanks for sharing.
Quite exquisite! I love the sense of style in the poem, had creativity, balance, imagery and most of all skill! Thank you Writegirl for all that you do as you comtinue to inspire, enrich and empower young, talented girls!
*continue