Poetry of Transformation

What if the stories you've told yourself for years could be rewritten—not erased, but fundamentally reimagined through the lens of poetry? Poetry of Transformation invites you into a generative weekend where language becomes a tool for liberation and the imagination reshapes memory itself.

Led by Marie Howe, Pulitzer Prize winner and former New York State Poet Laureate, this creative workshop at Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY (September 11–13, 2026) is devoted to poetry as a practice of personal reinvention. You'll encounter timeless voices—Blake, Dickinson, Rilke—alongside contemporary masters like Lucille Clifton and Mark Doty. But this is not a lecture series. Instead, you'll move fluidly between close reading and your own pen, between listening to others' words and discovering your own. The weekend creates a rare container where recurring personal narratives can be examined with fresh eyes, where the question "How might we reconstruct our lives by reconceiving the past?" becomes both invitation and practice.

Whether you're new to poetry or a seasoned writer seeking renewal, this workshop honors all levels of experience. You'll leave with more than new poems—you'll leave with a expanded sense of what's possible when imagination meets the page.

What to Expect

The weekend balances intellectual engagement with creative practice and community. You'll explore how foundational and contemporary poets approach transformation and reimagination, then translate those insights into your own writing. Each day weaves together guided reading, open discussion, writing time, and peer sharing. The atmosphere is contemplative yet generative—both reflective and active. Marie's teaching draws on decades of poetic practice and mentorship, creating a space where vulnerability in writing is honored and all voices are welcomed. By the final session, you'll have moved through your own work with new tools and perspective, and you'll carry the community's witness with you.

Venue & Logistics

Held at Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY, a renowned retreat center nestled in the Hudson Valley, this workshop runs Friday–Sunday, September 11–13, 2026. Wear comfortable, layered clothing; bring a journal and pen. Omega's grounds invite rest and reflection between sessions. The venue is accessible and welcomes all participants; contact Omega directly with specific accessibility needs.