Writing the Hard Poem

Service Description

Some poems demand courage. They ask us to step into discomfort, to speak what’s often left unsaid, and to explore the raw, vulnerable, and deeply human stories that shape us. Writing the Hard Poem is a generative workshop for poets ready to confront challenging subjects—grief, identity, trauma, injustice, love, and all that resists easy language. Through guided writing exercises, discussion, and close reading, we’ll explore how to approach vulnerability with intention, clarity, and craft. We'll talk about emotional risk, boundaries, and the ethics of telling personal or collective stories. Most of all, we'll focus on how to use our individual voices with honesty and power—because the hard poems, when written with care, are often the ones that resonate most. This is a space for bravery and tenderness, where silence can become art, and where writing what’s difficult might just lead to the most meaningful work you’ve done. All levels welcome. Registration $20 (one-time) or join the Workshop Tier at patreon.com/dcolin to have access to every month's workshop.