Cairn University
Masland Library
Student Poet Laureate
"Lyric poetry surrounds us. Whether we hear a ballad on the radio, a sonnet set to music, or a hymn in church, poetry paired with music speaks to the multitudes. This October, we will be celebrating the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, and we would like you to share your songs of reformation. While we may not see Luther and Calvin's challenge to Papal authority as revolutionary as rock-n-roll, this event transformed the church and culture as we know it today. How might you create a lyric poem that expresses what the Reformation means to you today? How might you create a lyric poem that expresses your response to the passion of these reformers? How might you create a lyric poem that expresses the impact of reformation theology of your understanding of Christ? You will notice that these questions require you to respond personally: lyric poetry requires you to "get personal." As you write your lyric poem, consider that this type of poem displays these characteristics:
You will find a multitude of poets who wrote lyric poems; however, David, George Herbert, John Donne, and Christina Rossetti are noteworthy Christian poets who wrote lyric poems. Also, lyric poetry includes the elegies, odes, sonnets, hymns as well as more modern musical forms (rap, worship songs...). Be sure to keep it personal and include the aforementioned characteristics. You may choose to include music with your poem, but it is not required. We should be able to hear the musical quality of the poem no matter what."
Here are some examples of poets who write lyric poems: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets
Guidelines
Each poem will be evaluated in two ways: content and presentation. The panel will be using the rubrics listed at the end of this document to determine who will be the 2017/2018 Masland Library Student Poet Laureate. While the panel will provide feedback, the overall goal for this event is to celebrate poetic expression; therefore, participants will not be given a “score” for their work. The rubrics simply provide guidelines.
Additional Information: