Poetry Circle 2022
"Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart."
- William Wordsworth

About the Poetry Circle
Once a month, on the second Saturday* from 10am to 12noon, join us for a gathering of poetic bliss!
Led by Windsor's Poet Laureate and Gertrude’s Writing Room owner, Vanessa Shields, and special guest poets from Windsor and beyond, this poetry circle is a round-robin, salon-style gathering where we will read and offer gentle and inspiring feedback on each other’s poetry. If we each get to share our two poems, we will give you prompts to write a new poem!
*PLEASE NOTE: All circles are subject to change based on possible scheduling conflicts. You will be notified of any changes.

How To Register:
Registration for the Poetry Circle occurs on a first-register, first-serve basis. Maximum of six (6) poets (including leader).
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Here's How to Register:
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Send an email to shieldsvanessa@gmail.com with ‘POETRY CIRCLE REGISTRATION’ in the subject line.
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Include in your email, your full name, contact number, and two of your poems as a pdf and/or word document (.docx). Please let us know if you’d like us to print out your poems or if you will bring 10 copies for sharing.
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Include the date of the poetry circle you’d like to attend. Registration for the next poetry circle opens when the current one is complete.
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You will receive an email letting you know if you are confirmed for attendance, and the zoom link if the circle is virtual.
Cost:
$15.00 PER PERSON – Pay cash upon arrival or e-transfer to shieldsvanessa@gmail.com. Please only pay via e-transfer once your spot is confirmed. If the session is virtual, please pay via etransfer BEFORE the circle. *There is a slight increase to the cost to help pay our amazing poet leaders!
Poetry Circle Feedback Guidelines:
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Gertrude’s Writing Room is a safe, hate-free, inclusive space for all. Please be kind. Please be mindful of tone of voice and facial expressions. Smiles are great!
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All conversations, sharing and writing is confidential.
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Offering and receiving feedback is essentially born out of a conversation that is compassionate, thoughtful and motivational.
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Here are some questions to consider asking yourself before offering feedback: How does the poem make me feel? What is your favourite part of the poem? Does the poetry provoke you in any way – how or why? What did you learn from this poem? Does this poem remind you of other poetry you’ve written?
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Here are some things to consider when receiving feedback: I’m the writer, so I get the final word; this is conversation about writing, process and learning how to better my writing; these are suggestions to consider.
