By Vaishali Basu, Educator
As the sun dipped low on the second day of the Neev Literature Festival, Stage #2 resonated with the vibrant energy of words as Renée Watson took the stage for “Poetry that Speaks to Multiple Identities.” A champion of celebrating the ordinary, Renée shared insights into her poetic philosophy, urging the audience to find beauty in the mundaneness of life.
A valuable piece of advice echoed through Renée’s talk—don’t expect students to complete their poetry assignment in one class. This gentle reminder serves as a testament to the depth and complexity poetry demands. A craft that unfurls with time, allowing thoughts and emotions to be carefully woven into verses.
From Chaos to Art: Creating Poetry from Unlikely Sources
Renée encouraged the audience to embrace chaos and find poetry within it. Newspaper cuttings, someone else’s words—these seemingly disparate elements can be the raw material for a beautiful poem. The idea of finding art in the midst of disorder underscores the transformative power of poetry, turning chaos into a canvas for expression.
The intersection of art and poetry emerged as a recurring theme in Renée’s talk. In a world fraught with chaos, both mediums offer anchors, ways to communicate and share, and most importantly, to heal. Thus, the fusion of art and poetry can create a space for reflection and resilience in tumultuous times.
Structured and Unstructured Beauty
Renée then led the audience into the world of poetic forms, emphasizing the significance of structures in poetry. The haiku, a traditional Japanese form, stands as a testament to the depths that minimalism can contain. With its specific syllabic pattern, the haiku offers a disciplined yet evocative way to convey emotions and observations.
On the other hand, Renée also championed the freedom of expression inherent in free verse. No rules, no constraints—just an open canvas for emotional release. Asking the crucial question, “What do my students need emotionally?” she delved into the power of free verse to meet those emotional needs, providing a cathartic space for self-expression.
Literature and World Perspectives: Poetry Beyond the Classroom
Renée emphasized the importance of introducing students to powerful literature while simultaneously encouraging them to think about what’s happening in the world. Poetry, for her, serves as a bridge between literature and real-world perspectives, fostering a socially aware generation of poets.
In addressing the emotional and social needs of students, Renée highlighted the transformative role of poetry. Beyond academic endeavours, poetry becomes a vehicle for self-discovery and communal understanding. This intertwining of emotional intelligence and social awareness creates a powerful synergy in the realm of education.
Playfulness took centre stage as Renée delved into the process of rewriting. Drawing inspiration from song lyrics and scriptures, she encouraged students to engage in the delightful task of mixing and matching, rewriting and editing. This playful approach to poetry not only refines the craft but also makes it a joyful exercise.
Identity as a Canvas for Poetry
Renée unveiled a profound truth about poetry—that it helps people reclaim their identity. She talked about The Suitcase Project: a creative venture where students bring artifacts that are important to them, an act which becomes a poetic journey into their past. This merging of personal history with poetic expression becomes a powerful tool for self-discovery.
Encouraging students to bring themselves into the classrooms, Renée underscored the importance of creating spaces where individual identities are honored and woven into the educational fabric. Poetry, according to her, should put on record who you are, turning classrooms into canvases for self-expression.
The poetic journey took a contemplative turn as Renée suggested keeping a jar of words. In her view, the act of picking out words and meditating on them becomes a practice in mindfulness and introspection. Each word carries the potential for poetic revelation, turning a simple jar into a treasure trove of inspiration.
Rethinking Schools: Teaching for Joy and Justice
In her closing remarks, Renée directed the audience to “Rethinking Schools: Teaching for Joy and Justice,” a profound philosophy that encapsulates the essence of education. Teaching practices should not be confined to mere transmission of knowledge but should work towards ensuring that education becomes a force for positive change.
As the curtains fell on Renée Watson’s session at the Neev Literature Festival, the audience was left not only with a deeper understanding of craft but also with a profound appreciation for the transformative power of poetry in education and life.
