In “Native Guard,” poet Natasha Trethewey considers what history often forgets, in this case a Black regiment that fought for the Union.
Poets and Poems: James Tweedie and “Mostly Sonnets”
“Mostly Sonnets” by James Tweedie shows how the poetic form can also be used for important subjects other than love.
A Blessing for Writers
What does the writer need in order to go forward? So many things. This “blessing for writers” wishes them for you, beginning with a silken string…
Poets and Poems: Brad Lussier and “How Does He Love Me?”
The 47 sonnets of “How Does He Love Me?” by Brad Lussier remind us that love is transcendent, eternal and unchanging.
An Epic Told in 500 Sonnets: “The Gift of Life” by Amanda Hall
In “The Gift of Life: An Epic in Verse,” poet Amanda Hall employs some 500 sonnets to tell a story of love amid contemporary life and culture.
By Heart: ‘One Art’ + New Tess Gallagher Challenge
What have you lost today? Poet Elizabeth Bishop’s “One Art” invites us into the art of losing in this month’s By Heart.
Poets and Poems: Osip Mandelstam and “Poems”
Osip Mandelstam (1891-1938) was a leading poet in the Silver Age of Russian poetry, until ran afoul of the Stalinist regime.
Poets and Poems: Chandra Gurung and “My Father’s Face”
The 47 poems of “My Father’s Face” by Chandra Gurung point to the contradictions of life inherent in all cultures and societies.
Poetry Prompt: Small Things
Join author Callie Feyen as she acknowledges some beastly feelings, and through the gift of small things, turns them into poetry.
Poets and Poems: Charles Hughes and “The Evening Sky”
The poetry of “The Evening Sky” by Charles Hughes speaks to the mortality of life and focusing on what truly matters.
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.
Poets and Poems: Samuel Hazo and “The Next Time We Saw Paris”
“The Next Time We Saw Paris” by Samuel Hazo is a poetry collection filled with wisdom, understanding, and the directness of experience.
Poets and Poems: River Dixon and “Lost in the Hours”
The dreams of “Lost in the Hours,” the new poetry collection by River Dixon, offer reflection and respite, focusing on what matters.
Poets and Poems: Damien Donnelly and “Eat the Storms”
In “Eat the Storms,” poet Damien Donnelly explores the layered meanings of color. allowing us different readings and different meanings.
By Heart ‘As I Walked Out One Evening’ + New Lucille Clifton Challenge
The river that is our country runs on, despite crooked hearts. Read W.H. Auden’s “As I Walked Out One Evening” beside your favorite river.
Poets and Poems: Laura Reece Hogan and “Litany of Flights”
“Litany of Flights” by Laura Reece Hogan leaves us with a sense of wonder, the same wonder we feel when we see mountains for the first time.
Poets and Poems: Troy Cady and “Featherdusting the Moon”
The 100 poems of “Featherdusting the Moon” by Troy Cady exhibit a sense of play, accompanied by a sense of wisdom and humility.
How J.R.R. Tolkien Met an Obligation – with Poetry
After his childhood friend Geoffrey Bache Smith died in World War I, J.R.R. Tolkien self-imposed an obligation to publish Smith’s poetry.
Poetry Prompt: At Home Poems
This year might mean not being at home for the holidays. Join us and look for poetry in your (perhaps) altered plans with this prompt.
C.S. Lewis: World War I Poet
In 1919, C.S. Lewis published a volume of poetry under a pseudonym. The collection reflected his experiences in World War I.