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.
Week One of National Poetry Month 2019
National Poetry Month is upon us! This year ASP has decided to celebrate by featuring several poems each week curated by different members of the ASP team. Now that the first week is over, let’s take a look back at the poets and poems we have featured thus far.
Craving More Grace? Check out the Poet Laureate on the NEA’s “Art Works”
Craving more Grace Cavalieri? Of course you are! Maryland’s newest Poet Laureate is active, about, and spreading the word; that is, her words. Even though Poet Laureate is largely an honorary position (it is unpaid, and one is “honored” more with a title than a job much like a knighthood or a medal of freedom), Grace Cavalieri seems determined to become the most active and community-focused Poet Laureate in Maryland’s history. Recently she was featured on Art Works the official podcast for the National Endowment for the Arts.
Grace Cavalieri’s Interview on Midday with Tom Hall
Grace Cavalieri stopped by WYPR last week for an interview on “Midday” with Tom Hall. The Poet Laureate and author of ASP’s Other Voices, Other Lives, mused on her life and work, meditating on the loss of her late husband, and reading from her deep poetry catalog. This interview is well worth the 40 minutes it takes to impart the important wisdom of one of Maryland’s foremost sages.