Words for My Father Poetry Workshop
Words for My Father is a poetry workshop led by Poetry for the Masses in collaboration with non-alcoholic bottle shop Burden of Proof.
Whether complicated, loving, absent, evolving, or deeply influential, Words for My Father invites our poets to explore the many dimensions of their relationships with their fathers. Through guided poetry prompts and discussion, we will discover how language can help us honor nuance, preserve memory, and give shape to emotions that are often difficult to express. We welcome the full spectrum of experience here, and will expand to include other father figures, mentors, and ancestors when they apply. Our poets are always encouraged to write honestly and wholeheartedly, as we offer a supportive space to reflect, write and engage in community. No prior poetry experience is necessary to attend a Poetry for the Masses workshop – only a willingness to reflect, write, and try something new. We will meet you where you are, and are looking forward to hearing your poetry, and in turn hearing your story.
Themes: memory, identity, inheritance, legacy
Grab your ticket here and let us know you’re coming! Thank you to our creative hub, Burden of Proof for having us!
If this is your first time, Poetry for the Masses events are open to all people, as well as artists and creatives of all levels, interests, and disciplines. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us via our Instagram page @pftm.workshop. Thank you for being a part of this literary community.
About our facilitator:
Alejandra Roggero is a Whittier College graduate and the author of four collections of prose and poetry, including The Town and La Matriarca. She is one of the founders of Poetry for the Masses, a monthly workshop and collective in South Pasadena open to writers of all levels. Her work seeks to soften readers — perhaps even to the point of dissolution. Her forthcoming book, soft serve, is set to be published in 2027. In April 2026, she was selected to serve as the inaugural Poet Laureate for the city of Whittier.
Follow us on Instagram:
Poetry for the Masses: @pftm.workshop
Alejandra Roggero: @whateverguera
Jacob De La Vara: @jacobdelavara
Burden of Proof: @burdenofproofna