PSNY Virtual Workshop: Persona Poems & the Power of Voice

With poet Missy Fuego!

There is nothing more powerful than first-person, the "I", and the "We"— but what happens when we use that to tell truths that are not our own? In this workshop we will explore the possibilities of persona poems: poetry that uses first-person, speaks from a place of absolute authority, but tells the story of someone or something else. What does desire have to say? How about strength?

What does the truth of a fallen soldier sound like or a school-shooting survivor or the books that have been banned from libraries this year? What would they say if they could? Along with generative writing exercises and examples by poets themselves, we will also explore techniques to embody personas without appropriation and an awareness to privilege. Work by Patricia Smith, Rachel McKibbens, and Danez Smith will be read.

About the Instructor: Meliza Bañales aka Missy Fuego is the author of six books, a 2016 Lambda Literary Finalist, Slam Champion since 2002, and Poetry Brothel LA cast member since 2023. They have almost thirty years experience as a writer, performer, spoken word artist, slam poet, filmmaker, and educator. They were a 2024 Tin House Summer Resident and 2024 LA LGBTQ Summer Resident. They are currently a member of the championship West Hollywood Slam Team and are the LA Erotica Slam Champion. Their seventh book, You Really Should Be More Considerate, is expected next year. They live, write, and cause radical trouble in Los Angeles.

* *This workshop will take place on Zoom.**

Host or Publisher The Poetry Society of New York