Part of The Poetry Society of New York's Weekly Virtual Workshop Series.

With poet Rachel Harty!

In this workshop, we’ll dive into the whimsical world of Shel Silverstein, exploring how his seemingly simple words and illustrations tackle complex emotions and themes. We’ll examine his use of repetition, character transformation, and the way he beautifully overlaps the emotions of both youth and adulthood. Through reading, discussion, and hands-on creative activities, participants will have the chance to embody these techniques in their own poetry and illustrations. Silverstein's playful use of rhythm, repetition, and clever wordplay invites us to experience both childlike wonder and mature introspection. With humor and unexpected twists, his work explores universal themes like loneliness, self-acceptance, and the bittersweet tension between youth and adult responsibilities (ugh, right?). Join us as we peel back these poetic layers and discover how Silverstein encourages readers of all ages to find meaning in the mundane and light in the ordinary. Get ready to write, draw, and share your own imaginative creations!

About the Instructor: Rachel Harty, a poet raised in the humid confines of Central Florida—now stationed in New York City—offering a poetic voice that is both playful and postmodern. She is a contributing writer at PSNY and a visiting creative speaker at Robinhood. Harty's work has been featured in publications like The Madrid Review, Poetry Nation, and more. She is also the author of Coffee, A Sip of You and Me (June 2024), a modern poetry collection that explores the delicate moments of coming-of-age, using caffeine as a central metaphor—a jittery and ubiquitous companion (to over half the nation...).

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