The main activity at TPS meetings is to workshop our poems. The format is simple, developed to promote the exchange of comments and suggestions in a friendly and respectful atmosphere. Everyone is most welcome to join us at any of the workshop meetings. You do not have to bring a poem on your first visit.

Workshop Format: The poet brings 24 copies which are passed out to those present, and reads the poem while the rest of us follow along on the printed copy. Then the group discusses the poem, providing feedback on what seems to work or not work well for the reader, and making suggestions. The poet listens, but makes no comment. It is by listening to all the opinions that a sense of what enhances the poem becomes clear. There is often disagreement. After the group has finished discussing the poem, the poet has the chance to comment, if he or she wishes to do so.

If you are writing in a lonely vacuum, find or form a group with other poets. It will enhance your work and theirs too. If you live close to Hamilton, come and join us!

We meet one Saturday a month from 2:00–4:00 p.m. Our meeting venue is the Westdale Public Library, 955 King St. W., Hamilton (unless otherwise noted). Bring 24 copies of your poem, or just come and sit in until you feel comfortable with the process.

2021-2022 Workshop Schedule
TPs workshop meetings are open to the public. For workshops held via Microsoft Teams, please observe the following procedures: Send an email to info@towerpoetry.ca and put in the Subject Line, “Request to Participate”. Your email address will be noted, and the link will be sent to you on the morning of the workshop. If you would like to submit one poem for critique during the workshop, please include it as an attachment to your email, in pdf format. Your “Request to Participate” must be received by the Thursday prior to the workshop date.

Saturday, October 16 – via Microsoft Teams, 2 p.m. (NOTE date change to one week later because of Thanksgiving weekend)

NOTE: The Winter and Spring workshops are currently planned as online meetings via Microsoft Teams. If the meeting room at the Westdale Library becomes available for in-person group meetings, this website will be updated and members will be notified.
Saturday, November 13
Saturday, December 11 — online Teams meeting — Holiday Social
Saturday, January 15, 2022 — virtual workshop
Saturday, February 12
Saturday, March 12
Saturday, April 9
Saturday, May 14 – Annual Meeting, location TBA

Note: There was no Poetry Study in 2021.