Best American Poetry: Reuben Jackson's "November Poem" is Pick of the Week
Terence Winch chooses a fiery Jackson original for Best American Poetry's pick of the week.
Grace Cavalieri says what we are all thinking about Jackson's love song turned murder ballad "November Poem", "This is such an unusual poem for Reuben. Goes to show the man travels places that would thrill an astronaut. He certainly thrills us." And the thrill cuts through every punching line in this poem selected by Terence Winch for Best American Poetry's pick of the week.
Another commentator notes the dream-like, or nightmare-like, aspect of the piece, writing, "What a dream, shifting forward in each well measured line, each pulse, popping with surprise until its end." A poet noted for his realistic depictions of life and love, "November Poem" marks a departure for Jackson which is already garnering attention for its singularness-- while employing the familiar craft for which he is justly renowned.
Read the "November Poem" here. Purchase Reuben's collection Scattered Clouds here.
“Poetry in Motion.” An Introduction to Grace Cavalieri
Grace Cavalieri has been publishing poetry for over 50 years! But where did she start? And how? This article on the origins of Grace’s poetic career will asnwer just that question and more. This is part 1 of a weeklong series detailing Grace’s life and work as Poet Laureate of Maryland.
“Mind Grenades from a Broken Body” Richard Peabody’s Review of Miles’ Collected Poems
Full Title: “Mind Grenades From A Broken Body Or The Surreal Life of the Disciplined Spirit” In this loving tribute to a literary hero, Richard Peabody discusses Josephine Miles’ myriad contribution to the poetics of the mind.
“Princess Daddy” a Story by Richard Peabody
I am Princess Daddy complete with tiara and I’m en route to the Princess Planet with Twyla, my 3-year-old whirlwind of a daughter. She has constructed a spaceship out of wooden blocks to transport us. She’s wearing her purple tutu. “Where your tutu daddy?” Good question. One my wife wishes to remedy at the very next thrift sale. My Redskins T-shirt does clash a little with my silver tiara. I wonder just how the guys in section 114 will relate to me if I show up at FedEx dressed like this. Hogette in training?