Poetry has been called the “gateway drug” into writing because many writers often begin their craft by attempting to encapsulate simple observations into poems. As our skills develop, we sometimes struggle to find new ways to express what was once fresh and inspiring. I’ve been writing poetry since I was 15 years old, and after several decades of dabbling with the form I continue to look for new ways to reinvigorate my practice. Guggenheim Fellow and poet Jane Hirshfield explains, “Poetry’s work is the clarification and magnification of being.” Here are some creativity exercises to help awaken your mind to poetic thinking, and to clarify and magnify your poetry writing. Read More
