Jan 17 When politics gets out of hand, turn to this poem By Elizabeth Flock Since the election, thousands of musicians, poets and other writers have mobilized across the country to protest the rhetoric and proposed policies of President-elect Donald Trump. On Sunday, “Writers Resist” events were held around the country. But while less visible,… Continue reading
Jan 16 As 'writers resist' Trump, an interview with a poet in protest By Elizabeth Flock On Sunday, writers and artists rallied across the country in defense of freedom of speech and to protest the political discourse of President-elect Donald Trump. The Writers Resist events took place in Tuscaloosa, Fresno, Helena Denver, Chicago, Baltimore,and Washington D.C.,… Continue reading
Jan 09 The all-American essence of Kansas, Camaros and 'Jennifer' By Elizabeth Flock “[This poem] looks at the emptiness of American Exceptionalism and concepts of our ‘greatness’ but by talking about the name Jennifer… a quintessentially American name,” said Adair-Hodges, who said the poem came out of “thinking about names as signifiers” --… Continue reading
Dec 26 'What this year will be' By Mary Jo Brooks Shelley Girdner's recently published debut collection is called “You Were That White Bird” and is filled with poems that capture the details in the natural world around her and the small miracles of her life. Continue reading
Dec 20 Can a poem make the world a better place by documenting the darknesses around us? By Mary Jo Brooks Daniel Borzutzky's newest poetry collection, “The Performance of Becoming Human” feature themes of economic and political dysfunction. The collection was recently awarded the National Book Award for poetry. Continue reading
Dec 13 In joy and discrimination, poet explores duality of growing up black By Mary Jo Brooks Clinton Smith's debut collection of poetry, "Counting Descent", examines what it means to grow up Black in America. Smith recounts moments from childhood when Black lives were celebrated and juxtaposes them with incidents that have become all too common in… Continue reading
Dec 06 Native poet speaks the language of Standing Rock -- and explains how a presidential apology falls short By Mary Jo Brooks Poet Layli Long Soldier's forthcoming collection of poetry called "Whereas" is a critique of President Obama's 2010 apology to Native Americans for their mistreatment by the U.S. government. Continue reading
Nov 28 A poet squeezes the presidential election into a clown car By Mary Jo Brooks Poet Joseph Hutchison says he wrote “The Greatest Show on Earth” four years ago when he was watching yet another chaotic Presidential election process unfold. “It was a response to the circus that we make of elections and how political… Continue reading
Nov 21 Through writing, a poet returns to the Appalachian home she left By Mary Jo Brooks Melissa Range was raised in Appalachian Tennessee, and she says she is constantly exploring through poetry the deep connection she has to that region. “Those mountains have a pull on you. I don’t feel at home there, but I don’t… Continue reading
Nov 15 America, I sing you back By Mary Jo Brooks Allison Adelle Hedge Coke says her poem, "America, I Sing You Back", was born not out of anger but out of concern and a love for her country. Continue reading