Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem “Paul Revere’s Ride” was written at a perilous time in American history, when Civil War threatened.
Poets and Poems: Emma Lazarus and “Selected Poems”
Known for a single if famous poem, Emma Lazarus was an accomplished poet, writer, polemicist, and champion for the Jewish people.
Poets and Poems: Charles Reznikoff and “Poems”
In his first two poetry collections, Charles Reznikoff reflected the experience of Jewish immigrants to America.
Is the Sonnet Also an American Art Form? David Bromwich Says Yes
In “American Sonnets,” Yale professor David Bromwich has assembled poems that suggest the sonnet is an American art form.
Fourth of July: “Concord Hymn” by Ralph Waldo Emerson
Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote “Concord Hymn” for a monument unveiling, introducing one of the most famous lines in American history.
Edward Hirsch and “The Heart of American Poetry”
In “The Heart of American Poetry,” Edward Hirsch has written both a personal memoir and a love letter to American poetry.
Reading John Greenleaf Whittier, the “Abolitionist Poet”
John Greenleaf Whittier, often called the “Abolitionist Poet,” rose from humble beginnings to become one of the great American poets of the 19th century.
Hidden, or Ignored, by History: “Afro-Creole Poetry” by Clint Bruce
With the poetry collection “Afro-Creole Poetry,” Clint Bruce opens a forgotten, or ignored, chapter in American history and poetry.
Poets and Poems: Jesse LoVasco and “Native”
In “Native: Poems,” Jesse LoVasco tells a story of Native Americans then and now, and the story resonates with all of us.
50 States of Generosity: Pennsylvania
We continue our 50 States of Generosity series with a focus on Pennsylvania and its status as a commonwealth.
‘Spoon River America’: Jason Stacy on the Myth of the Small Town
“Spoon River America” by Jason Stacy explains how the myth of the small Midwestern town supplanted the myth of the New England village.
Poet-a-Day: Meet David K. Wheeler
How best to write tragedy? Poet David K. Wheeler suggests the soft sorrow of the pantoum.
By Heart: ‘blessing the boats’ + New Elizabeth Bishop Challenge
For Black History Month, we learn Lucille Clifton’s “blessing the boats” By Heart and consider the memory of a Chilean sea.
By Heart: ‘The Dandelion’ + New Keats Challenge
The king of August is the dandelion. Join author Megan Willome as she learns Vachel Lindsay’s poem “The Dandelion” by heart.
“Cross of Snow: A Life of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow by Nicholas Basbanes
“Cross of Snow” examines the lives of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and his wife Frances (“Fanny”), noting her significant contributions to his work.
Poets and Poems: Maurice Manning and “Railsplitter”
In “Railsplitting,” poet Maurice Manning crawls inside the head of Abraham Lincoln, recalling and imagining his life, struggles, and legacy.
Creating an ‘I Love Poetry Moment’: Magic City’s Ashley M. Jones
For National Poetry Month, create an ‘I Love Poetry Moment,’ following the example of Ashley M. Jones and the Magic City Poetry Festival.
By Heart: ‘Dippold the Optician’ and William Blake Challenge
Join author Megan Willome as she learns a little wisdom poetry By Heart—’Dippold the Optician’ from Edgar Lee Masters’ ‘Spoon River Anthology.’
Poet Laureate Joy Harjo: Grace, Rain, and Other Mysteries
Author Megan Willome considers grace, rain, and other mysteries inherent in the poetry of Joy Harjo, the new U.S. poet laureate.
Poets and Poems: Benjamin Myers and “Black Sunday”
In “Black Sunday,” Benjamin Myers uses poetry to explore and illustrate what happened to the people and the land during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s.