The Massachusetts Poetry Festival 2016

This panel/prompt will highlight Writing Poetry for Social Change, Social Justice, and for the Global Good; Writing through Collective Crisis; and Poetry as witness. Participants who have something to express with regard to a social justice issue, but who may be unsure how to begin or continue their work will find this session enlivening. Also, those seeking to write poetry to bear witness after a collective crisis or tragedy, including writing about the refugee, migration or immigration experience; the experience of being a soldier; or the experience of witnessing a life-altering event will find the session of particular interest. Additionally, the session will explore the question: When does catharsis become art?