Stockton, CA- “A city without poetry is a city that does not exist,” said Spanish Literature Professor Martin Camps, while teaching a workshop to a group of people at the Haggin Museum. The workshop is part of the National Poetry Month Celebration held on Saturday April, 7th.
Spanish Literature Professor Martin Camps, while teaching a poetry workshop to a group of people at the Haggin Museum
Camps is a respected and published poet in Mexico and currently teaches at the University of the Pacific.
“Self-expression, capturing moments, capture pictures in words, capture emotions: that is what the essence of poetry is for me,” said one of the attendees.
“Only if you capture a moment in words it exists,” said Camps.
The wonder of poetry is that is not easy, says Camps, it requires an exploration of the language along with accurate metaphors, while staying away from the typical clichés.
During the 45 minute workshop Camps shared writing tips and well-known poems by Nobel Prize-winning Chilean poet Pablo Neruda and Mexican historical figure and poet Sor Juana Inez de La Cruz.
Among Camps` favorite poems is “Muerte sin fin” (Endless Death) by the Mexican poet José Gorostiza, which is “a major poem in the Spanish language.”
Participant of theworkshop, Betty Sanches, traveled from Yuba City to take part in the event, stating: “I write because I have had many experiences and I have much to say, and often I use it as therapy.”
“In a community where there are so many Spanish speakers, it is important to have events like this one in Spanish,” added Camps.
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