About
Dates: 2 Saturdays, May 2-9 Time: 10am-12pm (Pacific Coast Time) Format: In Person at Left Margin LIT Ages: Adult Class Description: The ode, an ancient poetic form that once celebrated athletic victories and later more idyllic themes, might seem like a bygone mode. And yet odes abound in current poetry—perhaps more in the 21st century than any time since the Romantics. With so much to mourn or lament, it often seems counterintuitive to praise; yet joy—in all its messy, complex celebration—might be exactly what’s called for, odes as a mode to survive and thrive. During our first class, we’ll (briefly) touch on the origin of the form and examine various examples—from the victorious Pindaric and more famous Romantic pieces to our modern proliferation of irregular odes. Focusing most on contemporary American examples, we’ll explore how sensory details, unconventional subjects, and direct address complicate tribute or praise. After our conversation and several generative prompts, we will devote our second class meeting to sharing and discussing our own newly-drafted odes. LEFT MARGIN LIT'S CANCELLATION/REFUND POLICY: If you find that you can't take a class for which you registered, you may request a refund, less a $25 administrative fee, at least 48 hours prior to the start of the first class session. After that threshold, refunds are not possible. If a class doesn't reach its minimum enrollment, it will be cancelled, and all students will receive full refunds.