Foraged Verse: A Writing Workshop on Found Poetry

“For there are no new ideas. There are only new ways of making them felt…” – Audre Lourde

The practice of writing poetry is sometimes a process of scavengery: a mélange assemblage of beloved, timeworn lines into something vital, unexpected, newly felt. This is true, at least, of cento or “patchwork” poetry. In this two-hour workshop, we will immerse ourselves in the cento form, drawing inspiration from the golden shovel, blackout/erasure, collage, and other companion forms of found poetry.

Participants are invited to engage in a short grounding activity, readings from Cameron Awkward-Rich, Nicole Sealey, Terrance Hayes, Justin Hocking, and others, a selection of writing prompts, as well as group discussion/sharing.

All levels of writers/poets are welcome at this in-person gathering. Feel free to bring a treasured journal, writing utensil, and/or a few of your favorite poems/lines. All other handouts and supplies will be provided.

About the instructor: Charity E. Yoro (she/her) is the author of ten-cent flower & other territories (First Matter Press), 2025 Oregon Book Award winner for the Stafford/Hall Award for Poetry. Her writing has been supported by Tin House, Kundiman, Regional Arts & Culture Council, Sustainable Arts Foundation, and others, and can be found on The Rumpus, poets.org, Tupelo Press Quarterly, West Trestle Review, and elsewhere. Born, raised, and educated on the east side of O‘ahu, she currently lives west of Denver with her wild, loving family.

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