Ralph Waldo Emerson said “poetry exists because it carries necessary human information that cannot be communicated in any other way,” Teens are in search of that information. When a student sees their own emotions reflected in a poem, there is less of a sense of aloneness in the world. For that reason, Carol founded Words That Burn, a creative writing project which leads free poetry writing workshops for teens. Participants need not have any experience reading or writing poetry to participate. Carol believes firmly that teens need to read and write poetry as a way to better understand themselves and the world in which they live. To date, Words That Burn has held workshops at public high schools in Boston and Hartford as well as libraries and community centers on Cape Cod. Poems for each workshop are chosen based on themes teens are focused on such as climate change, social justice, cultural heritage, LBGTQ+, family, self acceptance, loss, and friendship to name a few. Poets whose work is chosen for workshops reflect the diverse cultural, racial and sexual identity mirroring the diversity of our nation.
BENEFITS FOR TEENS WHO READ AND WRITE POETRY:
Poetry is not limited to style or subject matter. There’s a poem out there to meet every teen where they are academically and emotionally.
Poetry activates the imagination. At a time when teens are bored with many aspects of life, poetry can make the everyday seem more alive.
Teens are dealing with new and conflicting emotions. To see that in poetry, might make them feel less alone.
The breadth of subject matter in poetry can open discussions on subjects as varied as cultural pride, civil rights, immigration, sexual identity, relationships, etc. which can lead to mature conversations with same and differing opinions.
Teens who read poetry often write poetry which helps them express what is often difficult to express and may improve their overall writing skills.
Students who participate in poetry workshops, build a new community within workshop, one they can trust with their opinions and emotions.
Teens are waking up to the ambivalence of life. Since most of poetry is about the yin and yang of life, they may come to be more at ease with life’s uncertainties.
Reading American poetry may give teens a different window into our history and social insights they may not grasp in traditional classes. This may make them more empathic to others.
Students who explore poetry, may bring that sense of exploration into other academic classes.