To be a good, “pure” poet, do you have to be a liar? This was the question that was discussed yesterday at the Undergraduate Writing Friday, a free class for all students. The class was taught by MFA students and was geared towards undergraduates who are not able to get into the creative writing classes that they want.We first read an essay called “Pure Poetry” by Valery. According to this essay, a poet’s task is to “create a world or an order of things, a system of relations unconnected with the practical order.” We then read a poem called “For Love” by a poet of the Black Mountain School of Poetry. The poem is considered to be “pure” poetry.

Next, we read Wallace Stevens’ essay, “The Irrational Element in Poetry.” In it, Stevens claims that one must be born a poet. Talent can be cultivated, but not created. We then read two poems of John Berryman. Then, we read Gluck’s essay, “Against Sincerity.” She claims that poetry has to move beyond being “honest” and must instead tell a “truth.” Two of Sharon Olds’ poems were then read. One, “The Takers” was merely “honest.” The other, “The End,” told more of a truth than plain old honesty.

While I did enjoy the class, only two undergraduates showed up for it, including myself. There were four graduate students. This class would have been a lot more effective if more people had showed up and gotten involved in the conversation. That being said, the graduate students were incredibly friendly. I talked to two of them for nearly an hour after the lesson had ended. Talking to them and participating in their class has made me seriously consider pursuing an MFA after college. I urge undergraduates to come to the next Undergraduate Writing Friday. It is certainly an experience.