When did you first encounter poetry? How did you discover that you wanted to write poems? I fell in love with poetry in high school but as a reader, not a writer. Over the years I would read poetry, primarily what I think of as the “classics” for well-educated...
Getting to Know Martin Edmunds, Author of Flame in a Stable
“I fell in love with words; they ran away with me. Discipline followed, born of delight—in ‘getting the words right”: a slow apprenticeship. It takes time to learn how to name your gait, ask for a lead on a canter, command a lope, a trot, a fourteener, scuttle the chatter to trip a tetrameter, settle back into ballad measure.” — Martin Edmunds
The Hard Work of Justice
In light of recent events, this week’s issue of The Hard Work of Hope will be a little different. We are always trying to offer poems that meet the moment, and the current crisis in Haiti—along with its long history of instability and the United States’ involvement in...
Resources
For Readers & Writers The Academy of American Poets New Books by Massachusetts Poets The Poetry Foundation Poetry Society of America Poetry 180 Poetry Daily Verse Daily Best American Poetry Brilliant Light Publishing Poetry Friendly Bookstores: Amherst Books...
Educational Programs
At Mass Poetry, we believe poetry can change the world. We also believe our commitment to educational and youth programming is a strong first step. For over ten years, we’ve been bringing Poet-Educators into classrooms to work with students on reading, drafting,...
5+ Questions with Jennifer Benka
“5+ Questions With” is a new series in which we learn more about Mass Poetry’s partners throughout the region, particularly those that are also members of the Poetry Coalition. This week we’re hearing from Jennifer Benka of the Academy of American Poets, which oversees the Poetry Coalition.
5+ Questions with Janaka Stucky
“5 Questions With” is a new series in which we learn more about Mass Poetry’s partners throughout the region. In this interview, we spoke with Janaka Stucky, Publisher at Black Ocean. Tell us a bit about your organization’s engagement with poets and poetry, and why a...
Michael Angel Martín’s “Retreat to Saint Leo Abbey” & Jonathan Blake’s “Prayer” (The Worcester Review)
Retreat to Saint Leo Abbey by Michael Angel Martín When a long-loosened windshield Wiper snaps off the bumperless Mazda And gets snatched up into a night-storm Erupting on the drive’s final stretch,I don’t think I’ll make it. But I do, Even if hours past compline....
Martín Espada’s “Imagine the Angels of Bread”
Imagine the Angels of Bread by Martín Espada This is the year that squatters evict landlords, gazing like admirals from the rail of the roofdeck or levitating hands in praise of steam in the shower; this is the year that shawled refugees deport judges, who stare at...
June 3, 2020: Charles Coe’s “Love in the Time of Corona” & Janet Aalfs’ “Corona Spring Bear”
Love in the Time of Corona by Charles Coe (with apologies to Gabriel García Márquez) In ancient Greece, men shook handsas a demonstration of good faithto show they weren’t armed. In these days of fever and fearwe keep our distance, resistthe timeless call of flesh to...
Keeping the Word Alive: Supporting Small Presses During COVID-19
Keeping the word alive: supporting small presses during covid-19It is very hard to overstate the importance of small, independent presses in our current literary scene - they are most poets’ first home, and play host to a diverse range of voices that might be...
Art in a time of crisis: New releases during COVID-19
Art in a time of crisis: New releases during COVID-19 In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen a severe uptick in public events, tours, & readings being canceled. While it is important to prioritize public health & minimize the rate of infection, it...
Getting To Know Meaghan Quinn & Her New Book, Slow Dance Bullets
Do you have a writing routine? A favorite time or place to write? I prefer to write in the morning, caffeinated or after a meditation. When writing, I listen to one song on repeat. Typically something instrumental or fast-paced that is able to transport me. When...
Getting To Know Rebecca Connors And Her New Chapbook: Split Map
When did you first encounter poetry? How did you discover that you wanted to write poems? I was lucky enough to take a creative writing class in high school. Our teacher, Dr. Martin Galvin, introduced us to Anne Sexton, E.E. Cummings, Emily Dickinson, Walt Whitman...
Small Press Interview Series: Rose Metal Press
Small Press Interview Series: ROSE METAL PRESSa conversation between Erica Charis-Molling and co-founders Abigail Beckel (Publisher) and Kathleen Rooney (Editor)Erica Charis-Molling: Let’s start at the beginning. How did the press get started?RMP: Shortly after our...