Cathy Hailey

Photo by Katie Peterson

Poet, Writer, Educator, Photographer, Artist

Poet

Facets of My Poetry

Open & Closed Forms

I write in open and closed forms. Although most of my poetry is freeverse, my first chapbook is a collection of haiku sonnets. I enjoy writing haiku and villanelles and other experimental forms, including Fibonacci Poems (Fibs) and Pi Poems.

Natural World

Nature has always been an inspiration for me, but after retiring from full-time teaching and during the pandemic , I have spent more time outdoors getting to know the beauty of the world around me. I’m interested in writing more eco-poetry.

Mimesis

Mimesis in Aristotle’s sense means a re-representing of life–a witnessing and re-animation of the lives of all creatures in nature. Poetry about family, memory and loss helps keep loved ones alive. I also turn to my own memories when I’m writing.

Ekphrasis

Ekphrasis has many definitions. In Ancient Greece, it meant a vivid description of a work of art. Often it refers to the recreation of a work of art in a different medium. Ekphrastic poetry can be written based on visual art, dance, music, theater, etc. I love all of these.

Refuge & Witness

Places of refuge inspire poetry. For me these places often include water, but I also thrive in cities. When I witness injustices in the world, I am moved to write. Witnessing other people’s lives also leads me to poetry.

Heritage

My Greek heritage is complex. Most of my grandparents came from Asia Minor in the early 20th century. My curiosity about the trauma experience by family members inspires poems on this subject and on more recent refugee experiences of other cultures.

Writer

Before turning my attention to poetry, I wrote nonfiction. I earned my Master of Arts in English, with a Concentration in Professional Writing and Editing at George Mason University. My work with Alan Cheuse in multiple courses, including my thesis, and my decades-long involvement with the Northern Virginia Writing Project shaped my life as a writer. I wrote during my undergraduate years at Duke University, but my focus then was on literature and teaching writing.

Educator

I taught English and Creative Writing in Prince William County Public Schools for forty years: six years at Graham Park Middle School and thirty-four years at Woodbridge Senior High School (WSHS). The highlight of my career was teaching creative writing in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts (CFPA), a four-year specialty program modeled after college creative writing programs. I continue working with writing initiatives at WSHS through the Retirement Opportunity Program.

Photographer

I enjoy photographing nature–the creatures, plants, and flowers near home and in my favorite vacation spots, especially beaches along the east coast. I also like photographing carousels, amusements, and architecture.

Artist

I’ve enjoyed creating art in various media throughout my life. I’ve especially enjoyed jewelry making, weaving, ceramics, painting, sculpture, collage, and other crafts. I hope to spend more time with art making and the integration of art and writing now that I’m not teaching full-time. In the CFPA, I taught a seminar course called Writing and the Arts and took pleasure in reintroducing artistic freedom and creativity to high school students. We did many projects that integrated writing with other art media..