I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.
–Michelangelo
Come to La Romita and be inspired—by the landscape, the food, the history, and the poets who have come before, including Montale, Catullus, Petrarch, Gregory Corso, John Keats, Jorie Graham, and so many others. This is an opportunity for poets at all levels to write and share work in an intimate setting as we experience the delights only Italy can provide. We’ll read all sorts of poems, do writing prompts, and talk about both craft and process. We’ll study some of the strategies of great poets and explore how to use them in our own work.
A typical day at La Romita: at the monastery, you’ll have time to write and relax most of the day. Before dinner we might discuss a poem by Cesar Pavese or a sonnet by A. E. Stallings before sharing our work. The following day might include a trip to a surrounding hill town, a beach, a Tarot garden, a museum, or some ancient ruins. We’ll visit the Keats-Shelley house in Rome, where Keats spent the last months of his life. We’ll do some shopping. We’ll swoon over sublime paintings and sculptures and architecture. We’ll do a performance/reading with local Italian poets.
This will be my third, and Susan’s second, opportunity to teach at La Romita. We are so excited to be returning to share our knowledge of poetry and continue learning the culture and history of this lush and magical country. Oh, and have we mentioned the incredible, and incredibly fresh, meals, prepared by the wonderful cooks? The wine? The way, once you arrive in Rome, our hosts will take care of literally everything, so that all you have to do is enjoy your time and write? You may find the words “I’m so happy right now” frequently on your lips.
From a little spark may burst a flame.
–Dante
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As La Romita School caters to multiple levels of instruction and various forms of the arts, prices will vary by session, season, instructor, and offerings.