Kenneth Koch lecture on writing poetry

00:00 Kenneth Koch introduces lecture, and talks about teaching writing in the late 50's and early 60's.
11:31 Advice for young writers: Read a lot of poetry and imitate other poets.
19:40 Don't be afraid of influence, or changes in your style.
24:13 Read the poetry of the past.
29:09 Learn a foreign language.
34:07 Make friends with good poets, for the influence and the competition.
35:53 Write a lot, and try a lot of different ways of writing.
38:50 Why people don't like poetry: Poetry is usually taught badly.
44:24 "Deep meanings" in poetry.
54:06 "Pleasure is the first sign of understanding."
56:58 Question: Taking criticism of one's work.

[@kermitfrog593]

Nuggets all over the place. One of the best poetry lectures I've heard.

[@pitchforkcustom]

Thought i’d try your excerise of writing an animal, item of clothing, and a colour poem.
He wore a black hat
to the funeral
that came from a dead lamb.
He said it was once a panther,
or some big cat,
but the early birth
spoke of astrachan.
There are many shades of black
that gather at a wake
some Ivory,
some mars,
some coal,
some lamp.

[@MD-ur3dj]

wtf this is beautiful what

[@alilsnek7142]

vasko popa vibes fr

[@davidherz9968]

So full of useful ideas, so in tune with being alive as a perpetually child like adult, happy enlightenment, thank you...

[@naftalibendavid]

Took a lot of his classes in the 80s. Very informative.

[@loriscunado3607]

The best thing on TH-cam

[@pitchforkcustom]

he’s right about alot here.. good stuff ❤

[@lucasllopez7579]

This is so great. Thanks!

[@indescribable9664]

thank you for all of your efforts💜

[@rafiabiyyu5900]

thanks!

[@paulfiore9852]

Do you have anymore recording of Koch?

[@musicstewart9744]

Any more of these "in the can"?

[@dannydreadnought-xk4qx]

3:36

[@alltheyounglions959]

he sounds a lot like billie collins

[@bryanwilliams9701]

What year was this recorded?

[@ToiletWave]

May 26, 1979 per Naropa University Digital Archives.