In 1968, Bill Knott published his first book, “The Naomi Poems,” under a posthumous pseudonym (Saint Geraud, 1940-1966). In real life, he died at 74 only this past March of complications from heart surgery after retiring from Emerson College, where he had been a popular teacher for 25 years. For the last couple of years, … Continue reading A Poetry Reading And Tribute To The Late, Unforgettable Bill Knott (via The Artery)
Chattanooga poet Christian J. Collier has been announced as one of the winners of the Loft Spoken Word Immersion Fellowship. He is one of four winners who were selected from around the nation. The honor will allow Mr. Collier to travel to several parts of the country in 2015 to perform as well as launch … Continue reading Chattanooga Poet Christian J. Collier Wins Spoken Word Fellowship (via Chattanoogan)
As a poet and essayist, Tony Hoagland is a playful - but thoughtful - provocateur. The titles he chose for his last two poetry collections? "Unincorporated Persons in the Late Honda Dynasty" and the deliciously droll "What Narcissism Means to Me." Poets can be funny. It's true. But protecting Hoagland's funny bone requires intellectual muscle. … Continue reading Can poetry save America? Houston poet makes the case (via HoustonChron)
Why would teens go to the library to read poetry when they can easily be on Facebook, clicking away at their notifications? Why would teens read, or even write poetry, when they could be liking photos on Instagram or watching music videos on YouTube? Why would, and why should, youth treat poetry as relevant? As … Continue reading How Poetry Gave Me a Voice (via Huffington Post)
High school students across West Virginia have the chance to participate in a poetry competition that could land them a trip to the nation’s capital. The “Poetry Out Loud” contest features students memorizing and reciting poetry for an audience. Beside the joy of poetry, the competition also helps students develop public speaking skills, build self-confidence … Continue reading W.Va. student-poets have an opportunity to compete (via TheCharlestonGazette)
With the possible exception of Billy Collins, Ted Kooser must be the most accessible and enjoyable major poet in America. His lines are so clear and simple that, in comparison, even Robert Frost sounds like Mallarmé. The captious might complain that Kooser is prosy, that his work doesn’t exhibit enough razzle-dazzle to count as real … Continue reading Poetry review: ‘Splitting an Order,’ by Ted Kooser (via WashPo)
Those who perform spoken word poetry say they often draw their inspiration from what they know and what they’ve personally experienced. That’s the case for junior journalism and political science major Resita Cox, the president of EROT Poetry, a spoken word collective at UNC. “My day-to-day experiences are, I guess, a big part of the … Continue reading Students who practice spoken-word poetry reveal their processes (via Daily Tar Heel)
Great article! Click the link, below, to read the full story. Even if you don't know his name, you've seen Henry Rollins. He's the former singer for iconic punk band Black Flag, as well as the Rollins Band. He had his own talk show on IFC and hosts "10 Things You Don't Know About" on … Continue reading Catch Henry Rollins’ spoken word performance (via Des Moines Register)
Balancing his life between law and poetry, MSU associate clinical professor of law Brian Gilmore has increased the scope of his devotion to advocacy work. After beginning to experiment with poetry during his college years, Gilmore said his work as a student activist in the divestment movement against apartheid in South Africa influenced his writing … Continue reading MSU professor balances law and passion for poetry (via The State News)
Nowadays, conversations often do not contain more than simple, scattered text messages riddled with emojis. The interpersonal connections many take for granted have begun withering away rapidly. Daniel DeLeon, A&S ’15, and Haley Kerr, A&S ’17, co-presidents of BC Slam!—Boston College’s student organization for the development and performance of spoken-word poetry—recognized this trend and decided … Continue reading Spoken Word Poetry Scene Emerges At BC (via The Heights)
