It’s time for Charles Wright to put on a suit. The new Poet Laureate of the United States will deliver his inaugural reading at the Library of Congress on Sept. 25. When his appointment was announced back in June, the celebrated writer noted that he’d only worn his suit for “weddings and funerals.” Although he’s exceptionally … Continue reading Charles Wright’s first reading as U.S. Poet Laureate (via WashPo)
The recipients of this year's MacArthur Foundation "genius grants" will each receive $625,000 over five years, no strings attached. That made some of us wonder what past MacArthur fellows have done with their money, a question that led us to 1992 winner Amy Clampitt. Clampitt, a poet, was on vacation when she heard from her … Continue reading How One Poet’s ‘Genius Grant’ Became A Gift To Future Generations (via NPR)
“Gabriel” (Knopf), Edward Hirsch’s devastating elegy for his son, who died at the age of 22, is among the books on the longlist for this year’s National Book Award in Poetry. One of the most celebrated poets in the country, Hirsch wrote the popular “Poet’s Choice” column in The Washington Post in the early 2000s. The NBA longlist … Continue reading Poetry longlist for the National Book Award (via TheWashingtonPost)
R.T. Smith’s new book of poetry, “In the Night Orchard: New and Selected Poems” (Texas Review Press, 2014), reflects the arc of his award-winning exploration as a poet for the past 33 years, during which he has been acclaimed as “a 21st-century master” (David Huddle, author and teacher of creative writing and poetry, University of … Continue reading R.T. Smith’s book of new and selected poems reflects the arc of his career (via AugustaFreePress)
In a shoe box cafe on a West Village side street, Craig Grant, known as muMs, had his back to the room. Then a young barista came to clear a cup away, Mr. Grant turned his head, and she stopped in her tracks. “You’re Poet,” she said, suddenly flustered, and he smiled and stuck his … Continue reading Versifying Above the Footlights (via NYTimes)
University of Tennessee poetry professor Arthur Smith knew he was going to be a poet when he was 17 years old. In what he calls a "mystical experience," Smith heard his high school English teacher read "Do not go gentle into that good night" by Dylan Thomas and immediately knew what he wanted to dedicate … Continue reading (Art)work: English professor curates artistry in poetry (via TheDailyBeacon)
Even at 97 years old, Queens poet Leon Zuckrow is still penning verses dedicated to his true love, his first wife Naomi, who passed away more than 50 years ago. “It is a way of repairing myself,” said Zuckrow, who started scrawling his thoughts after her sudden death in 1962. “Instead of seeing a psychiatrist, … Continue reading Queens poet remembers a love lost long ago through his heartfelt poetry (via NYDailyNews)
On a stormy night in 2011, poet Edward Hirsch lost his 22-year-old son, Gabriel. After taking a club drug, Gabriel had a seizure and died of cardiac arrest. In life, Gabriel was exciting and energetic, but he also struggled, as his father remembers in his poetry: I look back at the worried parents Wandering through … Continue reading A Poet On Losing His Son: ‘Before You Heal, You Have To Mourn’ (via NPR)
The Edge Center in Bigfork welcomes the Sutter Brothers of Duluth with their music, poetry, and stories for an entertaining afternoon at 2 p.m. Sunday Sept. 7. Ross specializes in music with Scandinavian, Celtic, and American folk traditions sung and played on a variety musical instruments. His brother Barton, a prolific award-winning writer, was named … Continue reading The Sutter Brothers present poetry, song, and stories at the Edge (via Herald Review)
Nick Cannon has been keeping a notebook for much of his life, and next year we'll get to see some of the entries. The entertainer and record producer is working on a book of poems for children. Scholastic announced Tuesday that Cannon's "Neon Aliens Ate My Homework and Other Poems" will be published in March … Continue reading Nick Cannon to publish book of children’s poems (via CBS)
