In “The Space Carved by the Sharpness of Your Absence,” poet Nancy Murphy makes sense of loss, grief, pain, and separation.
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.
Poet Matthew Hollis Writes a Biography of “The Waste Land”
In “The Waste Land: A Biography of a Poem,” poet Matthew Hollis tells the story of how T.S. Eliot’s poem came to be.
“A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens – and Megan Willome
Megan Willome loves “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens, and she has created an edition that’s a joy to read.
Poets and Poems: Tania Pryputniewicz and “The Fool in the Corn”
In “The Fool in the Corn: Poems,” Tania Pryputniewicz comes to terms with her unusual childhood and how it’s shaped her life.
Poets and Poems: Angela Alaimo O’Donnell and “Holy Land”
For poet Angela Alaimo O’Donnell, “Holy Land” has many definitions, encompassing not only the geographic but also those of lived experience.
Poets and Poems: Andrea Potos and “Her Joy Becomes”
In “Her Joy Becomes,” poet Andrea Potos invites the reader into her mind and her heart to experience what her mother meant to her.
J.D. McClatchy Tells the Story of the Civil War — in Poetry
“Poets of the Civil War” by J.D. McClatchy is a small volume that manages to capture the magnitude of the American Civil War.
Poets and Poems: Paul Brookes and “As FolkTaleTeller”
“As FolkTaleTeller,” the new poetry chapbook by Paul Brookes, includes 33 poems that tell the stories of English folk tales.
Perspective: ‘Charlotte’s Web’ is a Medieval Novel
“Charlotte’s Web” a medieval novel? Join author Megan Willome as she gives a different perespective on the classic story.
Poets and Poems: Jack Bedell and “Against the Woods’ Dark Trunks”
In “Against the Woods’ Dark Trunks,” poet Jack Bedell writes about the land and legends of south Louisiana.
“Elizabeth Bishop: A Very Short Introduction” by Jonathan Post
In “A Very Short Introduction,” Jonathan Post has written a concise and insightful summary of the life and poetry of Elizabeth Bishop.
Poets and Poems: David Russell and “Quadrilateral: Utterances”
“Quadrilateral: Utterances” by David Russell is a feast of language that leaves you both sated and hungry for more.
Perspective: Found in Translation
Nothing is lost in translation in Maria Dahvana Headley’s contemporary rendering of “Beowulf” — backward, in high heels.
“The Illustrated Emily Dickinson” for Children – and Adults
“The Illustrated Emily Dickinson” by Ryan Van Cleave introduces the poet and 25 of her best-known poems to younger audiences.
“Making Peace with Paradise” by Tania Runyan
In “Making Peace with Paradise,” Tania Runyan reflects on her upbringing in the state that gave us suburbs and the Beach Boys.
Classic Biography: “Edgar Lee Masters” by Herbert Russell
In his classic biography of Edgar Lee Masters, Herbert Russell tells the story of a writer defined by one single, enormously successful work.
Poets and Poems: Kathy Fagan and “Bad Hobby”
The 45 poems of “Bad Hobby” by Kathy Fagan return continually to the importance of family and relationships.
Perspective: The Poet Takes a Bike Ride
How does a poet gain perspective? Megan Willome takes a bike ride—in Canada. Share your August reads, fellow poets!
Poets and Poems: Simon Armitage and “The Owl and the Nightingale”
British Poet Laureate Simon Armitage has translated the medieval poem “The Owl and the Nightingale,” and it sounds rather familiar.