The Beat Poets
March 18, 25, April 1, 8, 15, 22
Zoom – Wednesday 10:30 am – Noon
In the 1940s and 1950s, a new generation of poets rebelled against the conventions of mainstream American life and writing. They became known as the Beat Poets––a name that evokes weariness, down-and-outness, the beat under a piece of music and beatific spirituality. Jeff Weiss writes that “More than a half-century after their emergence, the Beats still offer up wild style, a sense of freedom and wonder for the natural world…” Come join us as we explore the poetry of Allen Ginsberg, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Jack Kerouac, Diana Di Prima and many more. In each session we read a selection of poems, and then participants are invited to discuss, question and share insights and perspectives. No experience with poetry is necessary.
Sandy Soson has a BA in English from the University of Michigan and an MA from Wesleyan University. She has taught high school English for her entire professional career. In recent years she has run the Poetry Out Loud program for local high school students, facilitated writing workshops for adults, taught ESOL as a Literacy Volunteer as well as taken and taught courses at Lifetime Learners. She is passionate about poetry and enjoys sharing her love of poetry with others.