Renowned poet and activist Audre Lorde once stated, “Poetry is not a luxury. It is a vital necessity of our existence.”
As April marks National Poetry Month, Senior Planet reached out to two New York City poets to discuss their craft and process.
Lisa Holzkenner
At 84, Lisa Holzkenner began her journey into poetry after retiring from a successful career as a social worker and psychoanalyst. Her first poem, “Raven in Our Oasis,” was published in 2016 in Chelsea Now. Since then, her poems have touched on various subjects such as her travels to Portugal and Dachau, her reflections on the pandemic, and her desires for global peace.
When asked about her process, Holzkenner shared, “I don’t think of rhythm or rhyme at first. I just write what comes to mind, connecting with my subconscious. Words stem from pain or joy. My muse is whatever stirs me emotionally or intellectually.” She emphasized the importance of passion, honesty, and perseverance in the rewriting process.
Believing in the therapeutic power of writing, Holzkenner hopes to inspire others to explore poetry as a means of self-expression and healing.
Michele Herman
For Michele Herman, 67, poetry became a part of her life in 2015 when she started writing with a poet neighbor. Since then, she has published two chapbooks and actively participates in the poetry community.
Herman encourages aspiring poets to seek guidance from experienced mentors, engage with writing communities, and read quality poetry books. She emphasizes the importance of sharing your work with others and becoming part of the poetry community.
Resources and Recommendations
Michele Herman recommends the following books for aspiring poets:
– A Poetry Handbook by Mary Oliver
– The Poetry Home Repair Manual by Ted Kooser
– The Triggering Town by Richard Hugo
– The Art of Voice by Tony Hoagland
For those interested in reading poetry, she suggests visiting poets.org and poetryfoundation.org for daily poems and inspiration.
Join fellow poets and writers at Senior Planet Community’s Writers’ Studio for a supportive and creative environment.
