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: 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Poets and Poems: Luci Shaw and “The Generosity”
“The Generosity” by Luci Shaw invites us to consider the eternal in nature, in the life around us, and in our own families.
Poets and Poems: Paul Mariani and “Ordinary Time”
“Ordinary Time” by poet Paul Mariani reminds us of the small and almost forgotten things that make a life, and make a life sacred.
Poets and Poems: Jessica De Guyat and “Fording the Stream”
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.
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: Matt Duggan and “The Kingdom”
“The Kingdom,” the new chapbook by poet Matt Duggan, returns to what’s past, leaving you wondering if the past never really was.
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.