The poems of the 2018 National Book Award for Poetry Winner “Indecency” by Justin Phillip Reed are as haunting as the streets they come from.
By Heart: “Let Evening Come” + New Frost “Stopping by Woods” Challenge
The nights are short and sometimes the holidays are hard. Find comfort in this month’s By Heart column, in which we wrap up our memorization of Jane Kenyon’s “Let Evening Come.”
Poets and Poems: James Matthew Wilson and “The Hanging God”
The poems of “The Hanging God” by James Matthew Wilson present an irresistible urge, almost a compulsion, to reread them to find new layers of meaning.
Poets and Poems: Matt Duggan and “A Season in Another World”
“A Season in Another World” by British poet Matt Duggan takes us on a journey steeped in legend, myth, fable, and fairy tale.
Poets and Poems: Luke Kennard and “Planet-Shaped Horse”
In “Planet-Shaped Horse” by British poet Luke Kennard, be prepared for fun-punched discoveries about words, language, ideas, and conventions.
Poets and Poems: Mary Karr and “Tropic of Squalor”
“Tropic of Squalor” by poet and memorist Mary Karr demonstrates Karr’s well-earned reputation for excellence in imagery and metaphor.
Poetry, World War I, and Armistice Day
World War I is the war most closely associated with poetry; poetry characterized the war, and the war changed poetry unlike any war before or since.
Poetry, Fiction, or What? “The Long Take” by Robin Robertson
“The Long Take” by British poet Robin Robertson, shortlisted for the 2018 Man Booker Prize, is a poetry book, a novel, and a noir movie.
Halloween Poetry Prompt: Never Too Old For …
Join Callie Feyen as she confesses why Halloween is a favorite holiday, and also, that she hopes to never grow too old for its make believing.
Paul Kingsnorth: The Poetry of the Future Landscape
The poetry of Paul Kingsnorth is continually looking at the landscape, the landscape of the future superimposed on the landscape of the past.
Poets and Poems: David Whyte and “The Bell and the Blackbird”
“The Bell and the Blackbird,” the new poetry collection by David Whyte, is full of surprises but retains Whyte’s trademark simplicity and depth.
A Poem in Every Heart: John Borling, John McCain and the Hanoi Hilton
The late John McCain and his fellow prisoners of war tapped poetry and story between the walls of their cells, making a poem in every heart (and a story in every soul) a key to helping each other live.
World War I: Mary Borden – Nurse, Novelist, Poet
American Mary Borden married a missionary, financed a hospital in World War I France, had an affair, published novels — and wrote poetry.
Marjorie Maddox and “Transplant, Transport, Transubstantiation”
The poems of “Transplant, Trnasport, Transubstantiation” by Marjorie Maddox take us to the world of change and loss, and what sustains us.
“Love Songs”: Claiming Sara Teasdale for St. Louis
Sara Teasdale lived 34 of her 48 years in St. Louis; she was born and buried there, and St. Louis can claim her as one of its own poets.
The Poets of Instagram: r.h. Sin and “I Hope This Reaches Her in Time”
The poets of Instagram are helping to revitalize the reading of poetry, and r.h. Sin is one of them. His new collection is “I Hope This Reaches Her in Time.”
Using Poetry to Reflect Upon the Civil War – Part 3: Walt Whitman
Walt Whitman celebrated the beginning of the Civil War, like many Americans on both sides. But as it dragged on, he — and his poetry — changed.
Poetry and Remembering the Civil War – Part 2: Robert Lowell
For generations, we’ve used the Civil War as a lens for viewing controversies. In his poem “For the Union Dead,” Robert Lowell considers the war — and a parking garage.
Poetry and Remembering the Civil War – Part 1: Allen Tate
The Civil War has long been used as a lens for interpreting, understanding, and advocating contemporary issues. So has the poetry about the Civil War.
The 2017 Walt Whitman Award: “Eye Level” by Jenny Xie
“Eye Level” by Jenny Xie, a collection of poems marked by spareness and precision, is the 2017 winner of the Walt Whitman Award.