Using poetry to capture the changing moment
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description
Poetry workshop at PSMW Summer School 2009 in Lampeter encouraging managers ti use poetry as a thought tool. For more details see http://changing moment.blogspot.com
Transcript of Using poetry to capture the changing moment
Poetry workshop
Martin Locock
Outline
What is poetry?
Managing creativity
The haiku in theory and practice
Poetry as a thought tool
What is poetry?“Emotion recollected in tranquility” William Wordsworth
“Memorable speech” W H Auden
“Poetry is just the evidence of life. If your life is burning well, poetry is just the ash.” Leonard Cohen
“The poet doesn't invent. He listens.” Jean Cocteau
“Carefully chosen words” Martin Locock
What poetry isn’t*
• A private language
• An argument or analysis
• Unedited thought or feeling
• A definitive or balanced view
• A puzzle or word game
* according to me
Managing creativity
• Leadership and creativity
• Creation is easy
• The creative paradox (or, “There was a young man from Hong Kong”)
The haiku
Charity and trust
She resists the man
Panhandling for a pound coin,
Doubting his motives
Rules
• Japanese tradition
• A title
• Three lines
• Five, seven, five syllables
• Words can be omitted
• Changing moment: external > internal, describe > feel/think; two aspects of something
ExamplesCharity and trust
She resists the man
Panhandling for a pound coin,
Doubting his motives
Kijo MurakamiFirst autumn morning:the mirror I stare intoshows my father's face
Having a go• Find a thought 3 minutes• Write it down as a phrase• First draft (title last) 5 minutes• Make two copies• Pairs: swap copy and read partner’s aloud
– What was best, what needs work 5 minutes• Quick revision 2 minutes• Final version: reading
Poetry as a thought tool• Moment of clarity• Captures moments of transformation• Captures feelings and texture of experience• Multiple perspectives• Narratives and meaning• Self-awareness and insight (Meta state)
More words• http://locock3.blogspot.com
