Jean Sprackland’s “Sleeping Keys” quietly underscores the importance of what lies unrecognized and forgotten—a thoughtful selection for Poets and Poems.
Ghazal Poetry: Sing the Old Songs
Ghazal poetry was traditionally a sung form, invoking other traditional symbols like the gazelle. Invoke an old song image for your own?
Down Syndrome Awareness Month: Artist Kasia Puciata
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Today, come see the artistic vision of Kasia Puciata. And a found poem we created from Kasia’s vibrant words.
Poets and Poems: Billy Collins and “Aimless Love”
For Poets and Poems this week, we feature Poet Billy Collins’ new collection, Aimless Love–a welcome addition to his body of work.
Ghazal Poetry: Sing the Childhood Loss
Ghazal poetry sings the ache. For a lover, yes. But also, at times, for simple loss. Sing the ache of what cannot be reclaimed, in your ghazal poem.
Ghazal Poetry: Do the Twist Prompt
Ghazal poetry sometimes asks the big questions. Who am I? Why am I here? And, for that matter, why are you?
The Horribly Tragic Deaths of Many of My Favourite Characters—Poem 2, Kirk, Spock & Doc
A series of Edward Gorey-like illustrations and poems that chronicle the concocted demise of favorite literary and movie characters. Next up: a Star Trek trio.
Down Syndrome Awareness Month: Michael’s Colors
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Here we feature the beautiful art of Michael Wasserman and peek into his favorite 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.
Ghazal Poetry: How to Write a Ghazal & Playlist!
Ghazal poetry is poetry of longing. Check out these easy instructions for How to Write a Ghazal. And smile at “Hip-Hop Ghazal, ” by Patricia Smith.
Video Poem: Mortal Ghazal
Moving video poem: “Mortal Ghazal, ” by Luisa A. Igloria
Twitter Party: The Poetry Home Repair Manual
Tweetspeak Poetry’s recent poetry jam on Twitter used Ted Kooser’s “The Poetry Home Repair Manual” for prompts — with some surprising results.
Tattoo Poetry: Jealousy Between the Inks
Be a tattoo that has had to share the body that bears it. How do you feel about the other tattoos?
Poetry Classroom: Four Sarabandes—Yo-Yo Ma
Come discuss the Yo-Yo Ma section of “Four Sarabandes, ” in today’s poetry classroom.
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.
Poetry Classroom: Kansas
Our poetry classroom features an Americana poem: “Kansas.” Discuss with the poet!
The Horribly Tragic Deaths of Many of My Favourite Characters—Poem 1, Holmes and Watson
In the spirit of Edward Gorey, a series of illustrations and poems that chronicle the demise of favorite literary characters. Poem 1: Holmes and Watson.
Tattoo Poetry: Ode on a Grecian Urn Prompt
Tattoo poetry is permanent poetry—captured by the body that bears it. There’s a sense in which it is locked in time and form, much the way the painted Greek lovers were perpetually locked to the vase in “Ode on a Grecian Urn.”
Poetry Video: The Country, Billy Collins
A witty poetry video featuring, well, a mouse. An entertaining animated poem, from Billy Collins.
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.”