KISS

I have enjoyed this class and have found that it has really changed the way I write in general. I find the techniques and ideas that I learned here are opening up what I feel comfortable doing and writing about. I really found the classes that were focused on just learning to read and understand poetry helpful. I remember my classes from high school where the teacher would ask you, "What does this poem mean?" I hated that question, it always seemed that no matter what you answered you were wrong. Learning the technique of just reading the poem, taking it literally, and finding what it means to you removed the disdainful attitude that poetry always seemed to have. It made it more welcoming to read and to write. Through the readings for the presentation I found that poetry is writing what you know and keeping it simple. All in all this class has really opened up poetry to me. I thank you all for your advice in workshop, I have truly learned a lot through all of you.