If You Ain’t No Place
Our title is from Richard Hugo’s The Triggering Town. In his book, Hugo reminds poets of the importance of identifying the “where” of a poem and how rooting creativity to place can allow the imagination to grow in unexpected ways. In this workshop, we will explore ways to connect our imagination to the real and imagined landscapes of Spokane and, more broadly, Washington.
There are many ways, of course, that we can think about “place.” Perhaps specific flora and fauna conjure up place for us (salmon and Arrowleaf Balsamroot, delicious huckleberries). Perhaps titles of towns and neighborhoods or geological phenomena do the same (Anacortes, Mt. Rainier, Hillyard, and Twisp; The Columbia, Steptoe Butte, and sharp columns of basalt, to name only a few). Perhaps people—individuals or groups—make a “where” vivid in our minds (The Legion of Boom or the Wobblies, Chief Garry or Ken Griffey Junior, Jimmy Marks or Kurt Cobain, Hope Solo or Sherman Alexie, Bing Crosby or Cathy McMorris Rodgers—to name only a few).
Using a controlled range of diction and some parameters regarding line and sound texture, we will form a supportive community to draft a poem that might reveal something about where we are and who we are.
Special thanks to Humanities Washington, ArtsWA, and the City of Spokane for recognizing the importance of poet laureate programs in our communities.
