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.
Eating and Drinking Poems: Rita Dove’s “Chocolate”
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Kathryn Neel’s latest “Eating and Drinking Poems” post features a flourless chocolate soufflé recipe with a loving ode to chocolate by Rita Dove.
Poetry at Work: The Poetry of Regime Change
There is poetry at work in the most convulsive of organizational upheavals, often called regime change. Charles Bukowski’s poem helps understanding.
Poets and Poems: Robin Robertson’s “The Wrecking Light”
Poets and Poems: To read Robin Robertson’s “The Wrecking Light” is to walk in the poetry of identity, place, geography, mythology, geography — and more.
Poets and Poems: Amy Billone’s “The Light Changes”
Amy Billone’s “The Light Changes: Poems” begins with a young woman throwing herself in front of a train—not what you expect from poets and poems.
Eating and Drinking Poems: Neruda’s “Ode to the Onion”
Guest contributor Nicole Gulotta writes about Chilean poet Pablo Neruda’s purpose behind his odes to the mundane, looking specifically at the unexpected beauty of the onion. She pairs this poem with a classic French Onion soup recipe: the perfect blend of cozy and satisfying.
Poets and Poems: Grace Schulman’s “Without a Claim”
Grace Schulman’s new collection of poems “Without a Claim” creates quiet repose in the face of discontinuity. Can poets and poems make sense of this?
Poets and Poems: Dave Malone and “View from the North Ten”
Poets and Poems considers Dave Malone’s View from the North Ten, which uses a Rothko painting to evoke what exists in the land and heart of the Ozarks.
Poets and Poems: Scott Edward Anderson’s “Fallow Field”
Poets and Poems highlights Scott Edward Anderson’s poetry collection “Fallow Field, ” which is rooted in nature, waiting for the reader to apply some mental tillage.
Poetry at Work: The Dignity of All Work
A conversation about a work assignment leads to a discussion of the inherent value and worth of people and work – an example of poetry at work.
Poets and Poems: Ted Hughes’ “Crow”
In Poets and Poems, we look at Ted Hughes’ “Crow, ” published in 1970, representing a significant shift for the poet and a milestone in 20th century poetry.
Poets and Poems: Christopher Reid’s “A Scattering”
Today, Poets and Poems highlights Christopher Reid’s “A Scattering, ” a remarkable series of poems that helped him deal with the death of his wife.
Poets and Poems: Andrew Motion’s “The Customs House”
Poets and Poems looks at “The Custom House” by Andrew Motion, which examines many facets of war and suggests a common impact on the people involved, regardless of location or era.
Poets and Poems: R.S. Thomas’s “Poems to Elsi”
Poets and Poems looks at “Poems to Elsi” by R.S. Thomas, which provides insight into the Thomas marriage of more than 50 years.
Poets and Poems: Jean Sprackland’s “Sleeping Keys”
Jean Sprackland’s “Sleeping Keys” quietly underscores the importance of what lies unrecognized and forgotten—a thoughtful selection for Poets and Poems.
Poets and Poems: Sam Willetts and “New Light for the Old Dark”
Poets and Poems highlights “New Light for the Old Dark” by Sam Willetts, which combines individual and family history for an effect both personal and universal.
Poets and Poems: 99 Psalms by SAID
Poets and Poems features the German poet SAID’s new collection of poetry, 99 Psalms, which is less about worship and more about our human condition.
Poets and Poems: Patricia Smith
This week’s “Poets and Poems” highlights Patricia Smith’s work, including her poem “They Romp with Wooly Canines” and her performance of “Skinhead.”
Poets and Poems: Seamus Heaney
Appreciating poets and poems even more by reading Seamus Heaney’s “Opened Ground” alongside Frank O’Driscoll’s “Stepping Stones, ” whose interviews add depth to the poems.
Is Poetry Going to the Dogs?
What he did for cats, Francesco Marciuliano has now done for dogs: “I Could Chew on This, and Other Poems by Dogs.”