Cornell writers inspire kids' poetry at Ithaca Children's Garden | Cornell Chronicle

At the Nature Poetry in the Garden event held on May 3 at Ithaca Children's Garden, Cornell creative writers mentored young poets, guiding them in crafting nature-based poetry. Organizer Dan Rosenberg praised poetry's ability to create community despite environmental challenges like rain. Participants explored the garden and were inspired by their surroundings. M.F.A. students engaged with the children, encouraging their imaginative expressions. Poet Em Setzer highlighted the merit of working with children, noting their uninhibited creativity and eagerness to share thoughts, making the experience enriching for everyone involved.

“One of the gifts of poetry is creating community across space and time and weather,” said event organizer Dan Rosenberg, highlighting the unifying power of poetry.

“Working with kids is special because you get to engage with these passionate little spirits who are much more playful and free than many of us,” said poet Em Setzer.

Rosenberg noted that the young poets’ imaginations turned the garden's flora into conversational partners, with one saying, 'thank you' while another compared it to 'the U.S. military.'

Setzer emphasized the need to listen to children during poetry activities, stating, 'Kids know exactly what they want to say and will tell you once you've gotten it right.'

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