New to poetry and unsure how to begin? Come along on a poetry treasure hunt. You’re sure to be inspired!
Hidden, or Ignored, by History: “Afro-Creole Poetry” by Clint Bruce
With the poetry collection “Afro-Creole Poetry,” Clint Bruce opens a forgotten, or ignored, chapter in American history and poetry.
Poet Matthew Hollis Writes a Biography of “The Waste Land”
In “The Waste Land: A Biography of a Poem,” poet Matthew Hollis tells the story of how T.S. Eliot’s poem came to be.
Perspective: The Two, The Only: Calvin and Hobbes
With a new year on the horizon, Megan Willome is off for a fresh clean start and a little exploring. By sled, of course.
Poets and Poems: Tania Pryputniewicz and “The Fool in the Corn”
In “The Fool in the Corn: Poems,” Tania Pryputniewicz comes to terms with her unusual childhood and how it’s shaped her life.
Poetry Prompt: Response Poetry
Instead of arguing on social media, join author Callie Feyen as she explores response poetry. With help from poet Dave Malone.
Poets and Poems: Angela Alaimo O’Donnell and “Holy Land”
For poet Angela Alaimo O’Donnell, “Holy Land” has many definitions, encompassing not only the geographic but also those of lived experience.
Poetry Prompt: Haiku for Stress
Haiku is best in times of stress. Callie Feyen teaches participants in an Advent workshop—and us—to write How to Wait haiku.
Poets and Poems: Andrea Potos and “Her Joy Becomes”
In “Her Joy Becomes,” poet Andrea Potos invites the reader into her mind and her heart to experience what her mother meant to her.
Writing Prompt: How To Be Grateful
How do you be grateful, especially when it’s the worst possible time for gratitude? Author Callie Feyen talke you through it (with scones).
J.D. McClatchy Tells the Story of the Civil War — in Poetry
“Poets of the Civil War” by J.D. McClatchy is a small volume that manages to capture the magnitude of the American Civil War.
Writing Prompt: Open Wide Your Wounded, Wonderful Heart
What book helps you write from your wounded and wonderful heart? Author Callie Feyen discusses teaching “Walk Two Moons.”
Poets and Poems: Paul Brookes and “As FolkTaleTeller”
“As FolkTaleTeller,” the new poetry chapbook by Paul Brookes, includes 33 poems that tell the stories of English folk tales.
Poetry Prompt: Almanac of Last Things—Write From Your Now
Write from your now, using all five senses and the present moment. Callie Feyen follows poetry advice she learned in Washington, D.C.
Poets and Poems: Jack Bedell and “Against the Woods’ Dark Trunks”
In “Against the Woods’ Dark Trunks,” poet Jack Bedell writes about the land and legends of south Louisiana.
“Elizabeth Bishop: A Very Short Introduction” by Jonathan Post
In “A Very Short Introduction,” Jonathan Post has written a concise and insightful summary of the life and poetry of Elizabeth Bishop.
Poetry Prompt: Observation that Evokes
Observations can evoke—even in a swimming pool. Callie Feyen considers the micro-essays and art of “The Swimming Studies” by Leanne Shapton.
It’s Been a Good Year for Poetic Biographies and Anthologies
The year 2022 is shaping up as one of the best in recent memory for the publication of poetic biographies and anthologies.
Poetry Prompt: Worthy of Flair
It takes strength to believe you are worthy of flair. Where can you bring out the flair in your life? Join Callie Feyen for a poetry prompt.
Poets and Poems: David Russell and “Quadrilateral: Utterances”
“Quadrilateral: Utterances” by David Russell is a feast of language that leaves you both sated and hungry for more.