The Poetry Academy is for all poets, on all levels, to learn and experience the varieties of our craft in a relaxed, unconventional (unacademic) way. We offer workshops, events, and discussions with subjects rarely if ever considered traditional classes that are most relevant to the new re-inventing of poetry using online platforms. Whatever poetry you are into, the Academy is a place to expand your limits and understanding, get inspired, meet fellow poets and share your work.
Chancellor of the Academy
The best definition I know of poetry came from my 8 year old grandson: “The art of language.” We who write and/or read poetry are a tribe, a cult, in modern times. And we are special; the unacknowledged legislators of the world. I love surrounding myself with this family, and welcome all to this art of language.
Director of the Academy
Sunayna Pal was born and raised in Mumbai, India, now calls Maryland home. She has made her literary mark with her debut poetry book, Refugees in Their Own Country (B&W Fountain), which explores the Partition of India. Her evocative poetry graces the pages of numerous international journals and anthologies, museums, poetry festivals, and libraries, resonating with readers across the globe. Beyond her writing, Sunayna is dedicated to the practice of Heartfulness meditation. For a deeper insight into her work and journey, please visit sunaynapal.com.
Lecturer at the Academy
David Leo Sirois is a Canadian-American poet published 127 times, in 20 countries. His work has been translated into 12 languages (Hindi, Bengali, Nepali, French, German, Czech, Spanish, Greek, Romanian, Chinese, Turkish, & Doric). He hosts Spoken World Online, the Zoom continuation of SpokenWord Paris. His first collection is called Humbledoves (poems to pigeons & plants). He won Third Prize in Winning Writers' Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest, & his poetry has appeared in journals such as The Bombay Review, The Poetry Village, One Hand Clapping, Indian Periodical, The Sunday Tribune Online, THE BASTILLE, & Terre à Cièl (which also published his translations from the French). David is often featured at global events, such as the Panorama International Literature Festival, & 100 Thousand Poets for Change, as well as in many international podcasts & interviews.