In “The Family Book of Martyrs,” poet Benjamin Myers writes about our hopes, our fears, and the things we love.
Poets and Poems: Rhina Espaillat and “And After All”
“And After All” by Rhina Espaillat is about all of our relationships, all of our interiors, the things that make our lives meaningful and important.
Poets and Poems: John Dorsey and “Your Daughter’s Country”
“Your Daughter’s Country” by poet John Dorsey takes readers back to their childhoods, and to the relatives and other people who were considered “characters.”
Poets and Poems: David Bottoms and “Otherworld, Underworld, Prayer Porch”
The poems of “Otherworld, Underworld, Prayer Porch” by David Bottoms reach back to the people and stories that shape our minds and hearts.
Poets and Poems: Karen Paul Holmes and “No Such Thing as Distance”
In her new poetry collection “No Such Thing as Distance,” what matters most to Karen Paul Holmes, both in her head and her heart, is family.
The Family Table: Poetry Prompt
Pick your chair, have a seat and write some poetry with us about life around the family table. There are plenty of stories to share.
Fatherhood: Family Ties Poetry Prompt
Our fathers are an important part of who we have become. This is not lost on poets, as many have written poems on fatherhood. Come along with us and read some poetry about fathers, then write your own heartfelt or hilarious poem.
Birth Order: Family Ties Poetry Prompt
Siblings have their own system of organization and some argue that it shapes many of their characteristics. Consider this an opportunity to have fun and write some silly sibling poetry. We won’t tattle on you.
Family Limericks: Poetry Prompt
While we are often audience to the peculiarities or bizarre habits of the relatives, an opportunity to write a limerick about them might only come once in a lifetime. Here’s your chance.
Poets and Poems: Mohja Kahf and “Hagar Poems”
In “Hagar Poems, ” poet Mohja Kahf tells and retells the biblical story of Hagar, Abraham, and Sarah, weaving threads between ancient and contemporary times.
The Poet is In: Ask Us Anything About Poetry Taboo Words
You have poetry questions. We have (some) poetry answers—and questions of our own. Join our latest discussion about poetry taboo words!
Thanksgiving Poem: Emily Dickinson’s 814 (One Day is there of the Series)
Thanksgiving, it seems, is at much an act of memory as of the present moment, a time of reflection. At least to hear Emily Dickinson tell it.
Eating and Drinking Poems: Rumi’s ‘Any Soul That Drank the Nectar’
In the latest Eating and Drinking Poems post, Megan D. Willome shares her Christmas tradition of eating enchiladas and drinking Topo Chico mineral water.
Eating and Drinking Poems: Mary Oliver’s “The Mango”
In her latest Eating and Drinking Poems post, Monica Sharman discusses her nostalgia for the mango and shares a recipe for mango mousse.
Poets and Poems: Gwendolyn Brooks’ ‘Selected Poems’
Poets and poems: Gwendolyn Brooks, the first African-American to receive the Pulitzer Prize, wrote about the people she knew and the history always with us.
Poetry Classroom: The Wake of Our Sleep
Welcome to this month’s poetry classroom. Up today, “What Lives in the Wake of Our Sleep.”
Poetry Classroom: Dona Nobis Pacem
Our poetry classroom is a wonderful way to discuss and enjoy poems, with published poets and teachers. Up today: Dona Nobis Pacem.
Christmas Poems: Apology to My Mother at Christmas
Wishing you and yours a joyous holiday, and if your Christmas calls for a small apology, perhaps a Christmas poem would do.
Night Poetry: Darkness and Villanelle Poems
Try your hand at a night poem that easily captures the ambiguity of darkness, simply by virtue of its form.
Thanksgiving Poems: A Table Poem
Thanksgiving poems, from gratitude to the table. This one has its share of both.