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| ESL Creative Writing Group at the UBC Learning Exchange |
Since early March, Marianna Young, Azam Iranpour, Soudabeh Akharti, and Takako Shimoda have been meeting as members and peers of an ESL Creative Writing Group at the UBC Learning Exchange. Facilitated by Janice Jacinto, a visual artist and writer from the community, and Lisa Okada, ESL Program Coordinator at the Learning Exchange, the focus of the group has been on exploring their own voices and identity(ies) through the medium of creative writing in English.
Stuck Cups (by Marianna)
We are coupling stuck!
Surfing up rainbows,
Higher and down,
Surfing up rainbows,
Higher and down,
Better than six-forty-nine!
When asked why they enjoy participating in the group, the women shared that they like learning and they value having an opportunity to develop their friendships with the other members. Some of the women also shared that being part of the group is a good chance for them to practice and gain confidence in their English speaking and writing skills.
Dentists (by Azam)
To be honest with you, this word reminds me of some fears and an unhappy feeling. It also reminds me of a person with a white long dress with a mask covering the mouth. This person also carries a large syringe….
During their meetings, members of the ESL Creative Writing Group experiment in different forms of writing including stream of consciousness, poetry, and short stories. Within such different modes,the individual voice and interest of each writer comes through. Marianna’s writing incorporates humor; Azam writes as realist; Takako’s work is lyrical; Soudabeh creates pieces that are metaphorical and often political.
When I Was Young (by Soudabeh)
Many years ago, there were two cages: a golden cage and a black cage. In the small, golden cage lived a leader and armed birds that were hungry for power. The birds lived in the highest level of injustice and prosperity…
Many years ago, there were two cages: a golden cage and a black cage. In the small, golden cage lived a leader and armed birds that were hungry for power. The birds lived in the highest level of injustice and prosperity…
On July 7th, the group hosted an audience at the Learning Exchange for a special reading of their work so far. One member of the audience reflected: “To hear the depth of expression and metaphor from people who have not spoken English all their life, it amazes me”.
The Calm Sea (by Takako)
...After a long marriage, they hardly engaged in conversation. They occasionally smiled at each other. They look towards tomorrow, a week later, a month later and the future. They live slowly, in peace and quiet. They will surely have calm weather tomorrow, too.
...After a long marriage, they hardly engaged in conversation. They occasionally smiled at each other. They look towards tomorrow, a week later, a month later and the future. They live slowly, in peace and quiet. They will surely have calm weather tomorrow, too.
The ESL Creative Writing Group meets on Thursday afternoons and new members are welcome. For more, contact Lisa Okada at the UBC Learning Exchange (lisa.okada@ubc.ca / 604-0408-5183).
