Poems of identity can orient us to who we are and who we want to continue to be—even against the odds of unkind or neglectful forces.
The Surprise Leap: Notes on the Writing Life
As in the rest of life, the writing life is about more than beginning. Often times, what defines the work (and who we are) happens in the middles.
Poetry Prompt: Poems of Experience
“The Hobbit” is more than a book for children. Callie Feyen considers how to learn from Bilbo and write poems of experience.
Adjustments Book Club: Messages Out of the Dark and Dancing in the Lights
In this week’s Adjustments book club, Rick Maxson reflects on what it means, in Archibald MacLeish’s words, to take the world, and on Will Phillips’ fumbling acceptance of his many selves.
Poets and Poems: Phoebe Power and “Shrines of Upper Austria”
In “Shrines of Upper Austria,” British poet Phoebe Power explores a common theme in contemporary power — identity, her own and that of her grandmother.
Poets and Poems: Mark Doty and “Deep Lane”
“Deep Lane” by Mark Doty includes nine poems with the title of “Deep Lane, ” and creates a sense of emotional if not physical distance.
The Alchemy of Song
Donna Falcone reflects on the ways that song has helped her find herself since childhood.
The Magician’s Elephant Book Club: Naming Names
In this week’s book club discussion of Kate DiCamillo’s The Magician’s Elephant, we consider the power of names and naming.