Our Poetry Monday editor, Irene Willis, is on vacation so there will be no Poetry Monday June.
Category: Poetry Monday
Poetry Monday: May 6, 2024
David Holper
Good Morning, Everyone,
Our poet today, David Holper, has an unusually interesting background. He lives in Eureka, California, where he served as the City of Eureka’s inaugural Poet Laureate from August 2019-August 2021. He has published three collections of poetry, including Language Lessons: A Linguistic Hejira (Deeper Magic Press, 2023), from which today’s poems have been chosen. Other books have been The Bridge (Sequoia Song Publications) and 64 Questions (March Street Press). His poems have appeared in many literary journals and anthologies, and have won numerous competitions, including the Synkroniciti award for best poem in its September 2023 issue; second place in relationships for Write from the Heart Anthology 2023; the Barbara Curiel Award for his poem “Depaysement” in Toyon 2018; and the Jodi Stutz from Toyon 2017 for his poem “Cana de Azucar.” Additionally, he has been nominated for a Pushcart by Relief Journal for a poem called “Doubt.”
He is also a writer of fiction, which has appeared in various quarterlies, including Grand Street, the New Virginia Review, and Callaloo.
It’s my pleasure to share the following three poems from his latest book, Language Lessons: A Linguistic Hejira:
Vade Mecum
Perhaps a book, discovered you
when you were young, Continue reading Poetry Monday: May 6, 2024
POETRY MONDAY: APRIL 1, 2024
POETRY MONDAY: March 4, 2024
Good morning, everyone. In keeping with our policy of re-visiting poets who were especially popular with our readers, we’ve chosen to say hello again to the late Maxine Kumin, who last appeared here in 2014.
Here, exactly as she appeared then, is the widely adored poet, Maxine Kumin.
— Irene Willis
Poetry Editor
POETRY MONDAY: May 5, 2014
Maxine Kumin: A Postlude
Those of us still mourning the loss of former U.S. Poet Laureate Maxine Kumin, who died on February 6 of this year at 88, have a welcome gift, knowing that she didn’t stop. Her new book, And Short the Season (New York: W.W. Norton & Co., 2014) is available now, and her voice is as strong as it has always been. Sharp-eyed, keen-witted and ironic as ever, she shies away from nothing in this collection, dedicated to her daughter Judith, whom we Continue reading POETRY MONDAY: March 4, 2024
Poetry Monday: January 1, 2024
Lewis Warsh Photography by Max Warsh
Good morning, everyone — and a happy, hopeful New Year to you. Poetry is truly medicine for the soul, and this is surely a time when our souls can use some healing.
Our poet today, Lewis Warsh, is one whose poems I confess I didn’t know until I went to a reading at The Bookstore in Lenox, Mass., where several of his longtime friends celebrated his work and life.
Lewis Warsh was not only a poet but also an editor, visual artist, educator and author of over thirty volumes of poetry, fiction, and autobiography.
The three poems that follow are from his last book, Elixir (Ugly Duckling Press, 2022).
BLUE MOON
There are some buzzwords you
need to know if you want to get on
in the world, keep up with
current events, for instance, but Continue reading Poetry Monday: January 1, 2024
Poetry Monday
POETRY MONDAY: NOVEMBER 6, 2023
David Giannini
Good morning, everyone! As we did last month, we’re sharing some readers’ favorites for those who may have missed them the first time. David Giannini last appeared here in 2022. Since then, his latest book, Already Long Ago (Dos Madres, 2023) is already garnering high praise.
–Irene Willis
Poetry Editor
A Woman in the Asylum on the River
Even in my mother’s womb
I sensed that
I could not escape without help; that there Continue reading POETRY MONDAY: NOVEMBER 6, 2023