Military veterans and their family members can take part in a free writing workshop led by Missouri Poet Laureate Justin Hamm during the Missouri Folklore Society Conference in Springfield on Nov. 6.
The event, titled “The Humble Apartment of the Chest,” will begin at 2 p.m. at University Plaza Hotel and Convention Center, 333 S. John Q Hammons Parkway, according to a community announcement. Missouri Humanities and the Missouri Folklore Society are hosting the two-hour program with support from the Veterans United Foundation.
Participants will receive free admission to the conference and a copy of Adam Magers’ book “Odysseus and the Oar: Healing After War and Military Service.”
Military veterans and family members connected to the military are
invited to attend.
Poetry workshop focuses on memory and emotion
Organizers describe the chest as a metaphorical place where people store memories, joy, pain, fear, loved ones and personal history.
The workshop will feature guided writing exercises designed to help participants turn those experiences into poetry. Attendees will have dedicated time to write and may choose to share their work during an optional session at the end of the program.
No prior poetry experience is required, and participants may write about any subject they choose.
Missouri Poet Laureate to lead session
Hamm, the current Missouri Poet Laureate, has authored five poetry collections and received a 2026 Laureate Fellowship from The Academy of American Poets.
Those seeking additional information may contact Nick Lopez at 619-829-2120 or nick@mohumanities.org.
More information about Missouri Humanities veteran programs is available at mohumanities.org/veterans.
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This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Missouri poet laureate to lead veteran writing workshop in Springfield
