First things first: Gibson’s pronouns are them/them/theirs. Second, they note that the best writing advice they’ve ever received was to “write what you are terrified to write.” Upon knowing this, the content into which they repeatedly dive makes complete sense. The honesty with which they explore it? Well, that is not something that can be taught – butContinue reading “Andrea Gibson: A Book Review in Five Parts”
Category Archives: Poetry
Engage, Listen, and Show up for Tomorrow
from my work UntitledTown (in anticipation of Danez Smith’s craft talk and keynote reading a few years ago) In 2014, NPR asked “Where Have All The Poets Gone?” The article was a cry to arms for poets to come back and lead the political charge on the front lines like poets Langston Hughes, Jack Kerouac,Continue reading “Engage, Listen, and Show up for Tomorrow”
National Poetry Month – Olivia Gatwood
I honestly don’t even remember where I first encountered Gatwood’s poetry – but I’m thankful for that moment. Like the other poets I’ve shared this month, it is ridiculously easy for me to fall down a YouTube-shaped rabbit hole of Gatwood’s work. I also really love sharing her poems with my own students. I’ve evenContinue reading “National Poetry Month – Olivia Gatwood”
National Poetry Month – Denice Frohman
I’m honestly not sure when I first became of aware of Denice Frohman and her poetry. It might have been when her Dear Straight People poem first went viral, but I can’t say for certain. All I know is that Frohman’s poetry pulled me in – and it’s been such a joy watching her workContinue reading “National Poetry Month – Denice Frohman”
A Poem in Your Pocket
repost from my work with UntitledTown Did you know that in 2002 the Office of the Mayor of New York City, in partnership with the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Education, started Poem in Your Pocket Day? Or that in 2008, the Academy of Poets expanded the program across the country? Or that inContinue reading “A Poem in Your Pocket”
National Poetry Month – Danez Smith
The first time I met Danez Smith (they/them), they asked me if I was IT. I promise that this is not something I should ever be confused for. I have mad respect for any IT person – because I know NOTHING about fixing computers. Any fixing I’ve ever managed has been total dumb luck (orContinue reading “National Poetry Month – Danez Smith”
National Poetry Month – Andrea Gibson
I first heard the name Andrea Gibson about a decade ago when a friend mentioned them (Gibson’s pronouns are they/them/their). My friend said Gibson was their favorite poet and said they were coming to campus and asked if I would come along. I am so very glad I said yes. Gibson has a way withContinue reading “National Poetry Month – Andrea Gibson”
National Poetry Month – Rudy Francisco
Why Poetry Matters // Repost from my work with UntitledTown When offered the chance to write about why poetry matters, I jumped at it – because poetry matters to me: as a writer, as a reader, as a teacher, as a living, breathing human being trying to make sense of the world around me and the worldContinue reading “National Poetry Month – Rudy Francisco”
2022 Poetry Challenge
I’ve offered to collect prompts for my writing group’s poetry challenge for the month of April, which in the U.S. is National Poetry Month (among a lot of other things). Thanks to the internet for allowing me to scour and collect the following list: Write a poem that engages with a strange and fascinating fact.Continue reading “2022 Poetry Challenge”
Ami Maxine 