(Jen Benka, Jan Freeman, D (Dennis) Nurkse, Renée Olander, Tim Seibles) This panel of five poets explores and discusses approaches to teaching poetry using Muriel Rukeyser's 1949 classic The Life of Poetry as a foundational text. Dimensions of our discussion include attending to the fear of poetry, writing, and reading poetry in times of political conflict, and the practical uses of poetry. As teachers, publishers, and practitioners of poetry, we address how to incorporate The Life of Poetry—including its radical assertions and wide-ranging interrogation of public life—into workshops and other courses.

Published Date: October 28, 2015