For Walt Whitman, body-consciousness seemed to propel the poet beyond anything as simple as “interest” in the physiological processes of the body in health. The 1855 versions of “Song of Myself,” “The Sleepers,” and “I Sing the Body Electric” take their very inspiration from the being and workings of the human body. In these poems, bodily health is at once a metaphor for spiritual, social, and political success and a literal topic set on equal footing with the more traditional topics of poetic expression (Killingsworth). We’ll examine the use of the body in poetry and do a brief writing exercise too. Bring examples if you like. Meredith Nelson hosts.

Writers of all ages and skill levels gather Tuesdays at 7P to read new work, the work of someone else or to just be in the engaging company of other writers. Your donation of $5 helps SPLAB continue our programming. Please bring 8 copies of the work you plan to read. If you do not bring copies, they are available for 10c.

Living Room happens at SPLAB in the Cultural Corner at 3651 S. Edmunds. (Look for the SPLAB sign on the wall and come inside.) We’re 2 blocks from the Columbia City Link Light Rail Station. Parking is available on the school grounds.