The 2025 Massachusetts Poetry Festival

Looking for a way to generate fresh new work? Consider a “how to” poem, say, a recipe for double chocolate cake or ingredients for a love potion. These formulas offer an element of play which sometimes leads us to surprising metaphorical places. In this workshop we will read examples of such poems by Terrance Hayes, Ada Limon and Jane Wong. We will also discuss elements of craft including tone, imagery and rhythm. Then we will write our own poems of instruction, trusting our powers of intuition while employing the technique which allows us to create daring, disciplined work. Come away from this session inspired, with new poems in progress and ideas for others. At the end of the workshop, the instructor will offer a curated list of journals to which participants may submit their poems.