About this episode

High school English teacher Jonathan Lawrence discusses the nuances of poetry and creative expression with host Melissa Ford Lucken.

High school English teacher Jonathan Lawrence, who teaches at the same school he once graduated from, sits down with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. Lawrence, in the way only an experienced teacher can, reflects on the art of arranging poems in an anthology, considers the delicate balance between guidance and restraint, and explains how and why poets need to stay out of the poem’s way. Jonathan’s poem, Imagination on Eleven in Church , appears in the Summer 2026 issue of the Washington Square Review . Jon on Insta _________________________ Website: Washington Square Review Melissa's Website: Adventures in MFALand Facebook: Melissa Ford Lucken Instagram: Melissa Ford Lucken

People in this episode

Host: Melissa Ford Lucken

Guest: Jonathan Lawrence

Topics covered

• creative expression
• poetry
• education
• anthology
• guidance in writing

Keywords

• poetry
• creative expression
• education
• anthology
• guidance

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Washington Square Review

Books & works: Imagination on Eleven in Church

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