Exploring the Beauty of Expression

Phil Hansotia (front right) takes a retrospective moment to write poetry as the students do the same.

As 18 students sat in straight, rigid rows under demanding fluorescent lights, Door County poet Phil Hansotia encouraged the teens to be expressive and creative as they delved in the art of poetry in one of FOG’s Exposure to Creativity workshops.

“Each one of you will have a voice of your own,” said Hansotia as he addressed his audience. “You’re always going to be a work in progress.”

Hansotia was first interested in poetry in high school, when he found joy reading poems while occasionally writing a few of his own for his school’s publication. Later in college, he developed his skills even further, writing more frequently. It was not until 15 years ago that Hansotia picked up the hobby again after losing interest for awhile.

He described poetry as a form of expression, and a method of communication. “[Poetry] has its own music and beauty,” said Hansotia.

After instructing the students to browse a variety of poets, the middle-aged man with salt and pepper hair advised them to model their own poetry after one specific poet that interests them. He also described the two major groups of poems – the lyric and narrative forms. The instructor set the students loose to write their own lyric poems describing a situation at one given moment, paying close attention to personal and emotional feelings.

While some teens rested their heads on their desks in the bland environment of the room, others’ faces showed sparks of interest as they were mesmerized by Hansotia’s inspiring advice and caring demeanor. The poetry workshop ultimately aided in the development of Gibraltar students, making them even better-rounded in such a unique, artistic community.