I may have expressed these sentiments in a previous post, but it is worth the restatement -- I enjoy our work shop sessions. Reading poetry from an anthology has its merits, but to read the work of an individual who sits next to you in class has its own unique merits. Not only are you permitted to explore the thoughts and creative wellsprings of a peer, you can also ask them questions about their motivations, their purpose, and their attitude towards the poem. Dialogue with the poet opens a realm of understanding, one you are barred from when you observe poetry in a book. We are blessed with the work of great poets, but how would a personal account with a poet in our anthology alter our perceptions about his/her work? I feel that we are often weighted down by preconceptions, expectations, and misjudgments when we observe our poetic ancestors. What would Whitman say if he came into one of our classes while we were interpreting his work?
However, I think the work shop sessions can be improved by slight modifications. To begin, I believe it would be valuable if review groups were formed by random selection. Quite honestly, I was looking forward to reviewing the work of others that I had not read previously. I feel that I am acquainted with the style of my workshop peers, and they may share similar beliefs (correct me if I am wrong). I would also like for my work to be critiqued by a "fresh" set of senses. I may be dulling work shop members with my work.
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