The poetry collection “Fording the Stream” by British poet Jessica De Guyat is centered in the idea of place, be it Lindisfarne, Iona, or the French Midi.
Poets and Poems: Maurice Manning and “Railsplitter”
In “Railsplitting,” poet Maurice Manning crawls inside the head of Abraham Lincoln, recalling and imagining his life, struggles, and legacy.
Poets and Poems: Major Jackson and “Holding Company”
The 2010 collection “Holding Company” by Major Jackson leads the eye and mind to a different understanding and a different context.
It Was a Marvelous Year: “The Making of Poetry” by Adam Nicholson
In “The Making of Poetry,” Adam Nicolson tells the story of William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge in 1797-98, when they created some of the greatest poetry written in the English language.
Poets and Poems: S.R. Jakobi and “Antiques & Curios”
The 96 poems of “Antiques & Curios” by S.R. Jakobi tell the story of a love affair between an older man and younger woman, one that continues in memory.
Poets and Poems: Sarah Thomson and “Before It’s Too Late”
“Before It’s Too Late,” the new chapbook by U.K. poet Sarah Thomson, explores the ideas of impermanence and fragility in relationships, locations, and life.
Poets and Poems: River Dixon and “Left Waiting”
In “Left Waiting: And Other Poems,” River Dixon reaches for words to make sense of what happens in life, to take stock and ask why.
Poets and Poems: Nigel Kent and “Saudade”
The poems of “Saudade” by U.K. poet Nigel Kent remind us that, even in the deepest regret, one can find a melancholy pleasure.
Poets and Poems: Tom Sastry and “A Man’s House Catches Fire”
Everything familiar is lost in Tom Sastry’s latest book, “A Man’s House Catches Fire” — a poetry collection for our moment.
Poets and Poems: Mischa Willett and “The Elegy Beta”
“The Elegy Beta: Poems” by Mischa Willett utilize the idea of the elegy, reflecting seriously and somberly on life, faith, suffering, and beauty.
Poetry Review: Birthright by George Abraham
In this review of George Abraham’s poetry collection, Birthright, guest author Ali Nuri explores the powerful implications of colonization, oppression and erasure.
Poets and Poems: Angela Alaimo O’Donnell and “Andalusian Hours”
In “Andalusian Hours,” poet and writer Angela Alaimo O’Donnell has created a tribute to Flannery O’Connor, one of the 20th century’s most original writers.
Wisdom Literature: “Desert Tracings” – Six Arabian Odes
In “Desert Tracings,” Michael Sells translates six pre-Islamic Arabian odes created in the oral tradition of Bedouin tribes before the rise of Islam.
Poets and Poems: Aaron Brown and “Acacia Road”
The 47 poems of “Acacia Road” by Aaron Brown are set in Chad and describe a place that is beautiful, tragic, and beloved.
Poets and Poems: Daniel Leach and “Voices on the Wind”
“Voices on the Wind” by poet Daniel Leach is a collection of classical poetry centered in a rich tradition bubbling below the surface of modern poetry.
Wisdom Literature: The Aphorisms of Yahia Lababidi
“Signposts to Elsewhere,” a collection of aphorisms by poet Yahia Lababidi, is a beautifully rendered work, full of poetry and wisdom.
Poets and Poems: Juliette van der Molen and “Anatomy of a Dress”
“Anatomy of a Dress” by poet Juliette Van Dermolen is a short collection of poems that are strong enough not to need the author’s explanation.
Poets and Poems: Edward Holmes and “Bravery & Brevity”
“Bravery & Brevity,” the new poetry collection by Edward Holmes, is written from a place of transformation, moving from pain to hope.
W.H. Auden’s “September 1, 1939″ – The Biography of a Poem by Ian Sansom
“September 1, 1939” is one of Auden’s most famous poems. But British writer Ian Sansom sees the flaws. His biography of the poem and the poet is marvelous.
Poets and Poems: David Russell and “An Ever River”
The poems of “An Ever River” by British poet David Russell remind us that we are part of a larger whole that continues, even when damaged and mended.