Aspiring poets who don't know where to start their journey need look no further than George Library.
On Tuesday 14 March, the library will host a "found poetry" workshop to recognise World Poetry Day (21 March).
It will be co-presented by two local poets, Dr Mike Hagemann and Archie Swanson of the support group George Poets.
Both have been published in select local and international journals. Attendees will be able to explore the unusual way of creating poetry using the found poetry method and get a taste of how a George Poets meeting proceeds.
The workshop is free to the public and no previous writing experience is required.
It will start with a meet and greet in the foyer from 18:00 and the event proper will run from 18:30 to 20:30.
The workshop will proceed regardless of what the load-shedding schedule on the day might be. Hagemann will lead a short tutorial on the form and, together with Swanson, read some examples.
This will be followed by a practical session where attendees will be able to explore found poetry for themselves and share their creations if they so desire.
Interested people are asked to RSVP to Mike on 082 854 3909 or Elmine Vorster on 082 343 9909 so that they can ensure suitable seating is available.
About George Poets Hagemann, who taught English at high school and undergraduate levels in his career, moved to George from Cape Town about three years ago.
He may be semiretired, but his passion for poetry has certainly not waned. Together, he and his friend Archie Swanson formed the George Poets support group in February 2022.
Archie Swanson has published four collections of poetry to date. His work ranges confidently across a gamut of issues and demonstrates the technical skill one would expect from a poet who has mastered his craft.
The group meets on the second Saturday of each month at Hagemann's house at 65 St Paul's Street, Tweerivieren.
They start at 18:00 with refreshments and begin the discussions at 18:30. The meetings end at 21:00.
Attendees are asked to bring half a dozen or so copies of their work with them so that those present can better follow the thrust of the poems under discussion.
Attendees can be assured that their copyright will be respected.
Those interested on joining George Poets can contact Hagemann on 082 854 3909.
