“The Strangeness of the Good” by James Matthew Wilson celebrates the things in life that endure and that we share in our common humanity.
By Heart ‘As I Walked Out One Evening’ + New Lucille Clifton Challenge
The river that is our country runs on, despite crooked hearts. Read W.H. Auden’s “As I Walked Out One Evening” beside your favorite river.
Poets and Poems: Laura Reece Hogan and “Litany of Flights”
“Litany of Flights” by Laura Reece Hogan leaves us with a sense of wonder, the same wonder we feel when we see mountains for the first time.
A Book of Poetry by Edna St. Vincent Millay Finds Its Way Home
A 1927 book of poetry by Edna St. Vincent Millay finds its way home to the family of the original owner.
Poets and Poems: Troy Cady and “Featherdusting the Moon”
The 100 poems of “Featherdusting the Moon” by Troy Cady exhibit a sense of play, accompanied by a sense of wisdom and humility.
How J.R.R. Tolkien Met an Obligation – with Poetry
After his childhood friend Geoffrey Bache Smith died in World War I, J.R.R. Tolkien self-imposed an obligation to publish Smith’s poetry.
C.S. Lewis: World War I Poet
In 1919, C.S. Lewis published a volume of poetry under a pseudonym. The collection reflected his experiences in World War I.
Poets and Poems: Arran James Grant and “Mania”
“Mania,” the first poetry volume published by Arran James Grant, could well be desscribed as a coming-of-age poetry collection.
Poets and Poems: A.M. Juster and “Wonder & Wrath”
“Wonder & Wrath,” the ninth poetry collection by A.M. Juster, is alternately serious and playful, written by a master of formalism.
James Sale and “HellWard” – Writing an Epic Poem in English
Few poets would attempt what James Sale is doing — writing an epic poem in English inspired by Dante’s “The Divine Comedy.”
When Your Phone Dies: “A Hurricane in My Head” by Matt Abbott
In “A Hurricane in My Head,” Poet Matt Abbott has a suggestion for what to do when your young teen’s phone dies.
Robert Hudson Explains the House Fly — and Poetry
In “The Poet and the Fly,” Robert Hudson considers seven poets and how they used the common house fly to develop their themes.
Poets and Poems: Susan Richardson and “Things My Mother Left Behind”
In “Things My Mother Left Behind,” poet Susan Richardson tells the story of her loss of sight and progression to darkness.
Forgotten Classics: “The Tell-Tale Heart” by Julian Symons
“The Tell-Tale Heart” by Julian Symons, first published 42 years ago, remains the best biography of Edgar Allan Poe.
Paul Brookes – A Poetry Champion Who Writes Poetry
Paul Brookes not only writes poetry; he is also a champion for poetry, recognizing and celebrating poets worldwide.
Taking a Scottish Road Trip with Jorge Luis Borges
What was supposed to be an “author-sitting” stint turned into a Scotland road trip for a young grad student and Jorge Luis Borges.
“30 Poems to Memorize (Before It’s Too Late)” by David Kern
In “30 Poems to Memorize (Before It’s Too Late),” editor David Kern and 13 other contributors remind us of why we love poetry.
Poets and Poems: John Balaban and “Empires”
“Empires” by poet John Balaban mines both human and personal history poetically to ask what creates the idea of the common good.
Words, Music, Voice: Justin Hamm and “Federico Garcia Lorca Blues”
The album “Federico Garcia Lorca Blues” by Justin Hamm combines poetry, music, and voice to create an almost perfect poetic experience.
Poets and Poems: Jane Kenyon and “Best Poems”
“The Best Poems of Jane Kenyon” provides a wonderful introduction to the full range of her accomplishments as a poet.