” I prefer to keep my darlings on ice.”
poetry
I’m Looking to Jump Ship Sooner Than I Should: A Conversation with Percival Everett
“We abandon stories. They don’t end.”
Can AI Write Authentic Poetry?
“There is no doubt that some forms of creativity are within the reach, and indeed the grasp, of computer programs.”
On Stamina, the Need to Write, and the Urgency of Youth
Award-winning poet Carl Phillips on writing, poetry, and perspective.
Rod McKuen Was the Bestselling Poet in American History. What Happened?
“He sold 60 million books and 100 million records. Why was he forgotten?”
Strangers in Our Own Homes
“We frequently ghost ourselves even when we are looking in the mirror, hoping to show up worthier, richer, fairer, and lovelier for this country.”
“We Can’t Rush This Kind of Power”: An Educator on Teaching Poetry to High Schoolers During the Pandemic
“Poetry has a way of forcing one into recognition, or transformation, or both if we’re lucky.”
Making Sense Of It All: High School Poetry in the Age of Zoom
“I believe that one of our most important roles as teachers is to provide authentic opportunities for young people to heal.”
Loving Molly, and Mourning Her: A Husband’s Extraordinary Essay
Blake Butler writes movingly about his late wife, poet Molly Brodak.
You Could Make This Place Beautiful
“Great,” she says resignedly. “What I’ll always be known for is writing this poem about how bad things are, and maybe they could be better, but they’re bad.”