November 16, 2017
A Brief Measure of Richard Wilbur
I noticed that several poets the other day, responding to the latest National Book Award longlist, declared our era a “golden age” of poetry. With the death of Richard Wilbur […]
April 19, 2017
When Students Become Teachers
Recently an essay by a student at the school where I teach was named one of sixteen finalists in the Facing History and Ourselves essay contest. I had given him […]
May 5, 2016
Why I’m Still Not Convinced that Meter is Physiological
I sparked a small feud last month when I wrote in this blog that “Iambic Pentameter Has Nothing to Do with Your Heart.” My essay took issue with a “pulse […]
April 16, 2016
Iambic Pentameter Has Nothing to Do with Your Heart
It is time that all poets, critics, and readers dispense with the following metaphor: the iamb is a heartbeat. Let us refrain from settling arguments (or starting them) by asking […]
December 31, 2015
Old Year/New Year: Poems
Woody Guthrie: “Woody Guthrie’s 1943 “New Years Rulin’s.” Found in one of his journals dated January 1st, 1943.” — woodieguthrie.org * Naomi Shihab Nye: Burning the Old Year Letters swallow […]
December 22, 2015
Children’s Poetry: Four Short Takes
With just a few days until America’s bookstores close their doors and count their pennies, I thought it best to condense my final recommendations for children’s poetry. Here are four […]