Daily Verses: Reasons for Writing and Sharing a Poem Each Day
Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer, Colorado's Western Slope Poet Laureate, recently presented a workshop titled "Rigorous Willingness: Writing from the Unconstricted Throat" on Aug. 5, 2022. The event, held in Loveland, saw a group of aspiring poets embarking on a 30-day poem challenge, inspired by Trommer's unique approach to poetry.
Trommer's philosophy for writing poetry revolves around four key principles, although the exact wording of her "4 rules" could not be confirmed from the search results. However, based on her public talks and writings, these principles include writing from personal truth and experience, engaging the senses and the moment fully, embracing imperfection and emotional depth, and being present with loss and beauty in the world.
One of the workshop participants, Shelley Widhalm, a freelance writer and editor based in Loveland, left the event with three new poems and a goal of writing 30 poems in 30 days. Widhalm, who is also the founder of Shell's Ink Services, holds a master's in English from Colorado State University and blogs weekly about writing, editing, and the writing life.
Trommer encourages poets to start a poem with a question and to allow metaphors to teach the poet, even if the poem does not come up with an answer. She believes that poetry has opposition and tension, being "in stress" and "in-scape." Poetry, for Trommer, is a process for engaging with curiosity, discovery, and meeting the world anew.
Another participant, Lynn Kincanon, a member of the Regional Poets, was inspired by Trommer's advice and is now writing a poem a day. Veronica Patterson, a Loveland poet, helped organise the workshop through the Regional Poets based in Loveland.
Trommer's poetry is known for its openness and passion. She has written over 3,650 poems since starting her 30-day challenge more than 10 years ago. Her work emphasises the importance of using the senses and paying attention to small details when writing poetry.
Trommer's advice suggests that a poem does not have to have an answer and should not do so to be the best. She recommends lowering her standards, realizing that writer's block isn't something she can afford, and letting go of some poems. Metaphor, a poetic device comparing one thing to another, can be used for any two things, according to Trommer.
Poetry, for Trommer, is the language of connection and a bridge to the world. Those interested in learning more about her "4 rules" for writing poetry may need to refer to her own writings, workshops, or talks directly. Trommer's approach to writing poetry continues to inspire local writers, providing them with a new perspective on the art of poetry.
- Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer's writing prompts, rooted in personal truth and experience, also encourage engaging the senses, embracing imperfection, and addressing loss and beauty in the world.
- In the realm of lifestyle, Trommer's approach to fashion-and-beauty might extend to her poetry, emphasizing the importance of paying attention to small details and using the senses when writing.
- Trommer's advice for poets on starting a poem with a question and allowing metaphors to teach them could be applied to problem-solving in various fields, such as education-and-self-development or personal-growth.
- As travel broadens perspectives, Trommer's poetry, being the language of connection and a bridge to the world, could serve as a guide for exploring new cultures and experiences.
