Visiting Writer: Carine Topal The Poetry of Witness and Provocation/ Poem as Evidence

We will examine the obligation of the poet who must speak out for the injustices of the poor, the disenfranchised, the marginalized. Often times we witness wrong-doing in our backyard. Should we remain silent, or should we engage in controversy to end the silence? The poet (the artist) is the vessel to communicate for those whose voices cannot be heard. If not now, then when? If not me, then who shall speak? This class will examine works by Jericho Brown, Cecilia Woloch, Carine Topal, Carolyn Forché, Joy Harjo, Jamal May, and others. As Carolyn Forché states: “I have an obligation to witness.”