March 29, 2010
Senior shares her poetry on the Connecticut Poetry Circuit
By Claire Gould
Though art and religion are frequently
at odds, Caitlin Scott '10 is fascinated by
their relationship - so fascinated, in fact,
she has combined her interests to write
poetry inspired by religious themes and
is now sharing her work with others.
Scott, a religious studies and history
double major, is traveling and giving
poetry readings throughout the state as a
part of the Connecticut Poetry Circuit, a
selective society that only chooses five
college students each year to join. The
circuit is also affiliated with the National
Federation of Poetry Societies (NFSPS),
a nonprofit organization dedicated to the
promotion and enjoyment of poetry.
Scott found enjoyment in poetry at an
early age, and wanted to pursue her
passion at Connecticut College.
As a freshman, she enrolled in an
introductory poetry course with English
Professor Charles Hartman, poet in
residence and co-director of the creative
writing program. This course, as well as
additional coursework with Hartman,
enabled her to research how religious
studies and poetic talent unite.
"Religion inspired me to write about
the mystical significance of even the
most mundane aspects of life," Scott
said.
Hartman also sees the benefit of Scott
merging religion and poetry. Scott's
interest in religion allows her to be
sensitive to the ways a poem's speaker
inhabits an ethical character and space,
Hartman said.
"She has an excellent ear, both for the
detailed texture of the sounds of the
language, and for the gestures of voice
that a line or a poem can enact," he
added.
As Scott finishes her last semester of
college, enjoying her final college poetry
courses, she reflects on her time at the
College.
"One of the best things about
Connecticut College is that you can take
classes in any department you'd like,
even outside of your major," Scott said.
"I've had the chance to improve upon my
craft, and I plan to continue writing
throughout my life - no matter what
career I end up pursuing."