Brief & Resonant: Writing the Short Poem with Amy Gray on July 7

July 7th: Brief & Resonant: Writing the Short Poem with Amy Gray

Inspired by poets who master brevity and clarity, this 90-minute, hands-on workshop explores the art of distillation, emotional precision, and the strength of the short poem. Drawing inspiration from Mary Oliver and Ada Limón, we’ll look at how concise poems create depth through image, attention, and restraint. These works remind us that a short poem is not less. It is focused, deliberate, and often unforgettable.

Through guided discussion, generative prompts, and close reading, participants will explore compression, white space, and striking imagery to craft brief but resonant poems. We’ll experiment with writing micro-poems, single-moment scenes, and pieces built around one strong image or emotional center. Exercises will invite both intuition and craft, encouraging participants to shape their own short, yet powerful, work.

Amy Levitin Gray is a poet, designer, and communications professional. Her work has been recognized by the Bedford International Poetry Competition (shortlisted 2023; second prize, 2025) and appears in anthologies from Central Avenue Publishing and Orenaug Mountain Publishing. She serves as Vice President of the Connecticut Poetry Society and is pursuing an MFA in Creative Writing at Southern Connecticut State University.

Workshop is limited to 12 participants, so be sure to register now! Writers at all levels are welcome to attend. 

$30 gets you 90 minutes of instruction in the Workshop Gallery at Ball & Socket Arts. If cost presents a barrier to your participation, please reach out to our team for options at info@ballandsocket.org.