Mornings in Jenin: Poetry Writing Circle

Join us for a series of welcoming, reflective poetry writing circles. Together, we will explore poetry as a space for remembrance, connection, resistance, and self-expression.

Across the sessions, we will engage with themes such as remembering, longing, loss, belonging, and notions of home; diaspora, displacement, and exile; uncovering and telling our deeper, often invisible stories; identity, voice, and the courage to speak and write our truths. We may also collectively create a communal poem inspired by Allen Ginsberg's Howl, weaving individual voices into a shared piece that reflects our collective experience. At the heart of the circle is the belief that words hold power—that poetry can bear witness, preserve memory, and speak where silence is imposed.

Each workshop will include:

• Reading and discussing a poem by a significant or relevant poet, exploring its craft, themes, and techniques.
• Guided writing exercises using prompts, stream-of-consciousness writing, and creative catalysts to generate and shape new work.
• Time for reflection, discussion, and optional sharing in a supportive and respectful environment.

Whether you are an experienced writer or putting pen to paper for the first time, this circle is open to anyone curious about exploring personal and collective stories through poetry. No previous writing experience is needed—only a willingness to listen, reflect, and create.