In this generative poetry-writing workshop, students will learn to recognize and manage that most slippery of pronouns in life and in poetry, “you.” Who “is” you in this poem? Can “you” be a cat? A bus? A planet? Me? Are you so vain you think this poem is about you? How dare “you”? Has this poem even met me? What is it this poem wants from me, the reader? Alternatively, what do I (the poet) want from you (the reader)? In five days with five respective units, we will cover: Unit 1: Cover letter (the private is public) Unit 2: The direct address (who are you this time?) Unit 3: The indirect address (expert eavesdropping) Unit 4: Mistaken identity (I thought you were someone else) Unit 5: I (who am I to address you thusly?) Students will have the opportunity to share work with one another, to read the works of life-changing poets, to receive feedback on previously written poems regarding how to radically re-envision their relationship to the reader (or you), and to meet one-on-one with me towards the end of the course. All levels welcome. In this workshop, we will generate new writing through guided exercises and prompts; offer feedback/first impressions on writing you produce in our week; workshop writing you bring from home.