5 Influential Poets Whose Work Has Been Banned: An Anti-Censorship Reading List
Book banning, a long-standing topic of debate, has resurged in recent years. Between 2020 and 2021, the American Library Association saw a 67% increase in efforts to ban books in schools. Titles like the Pulitzer-winning Maus—which depicts the horrors of
Poetry in Times of War
On Feb. 24, the world bore witness to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as they launched missiles near Kyiv and deployed soldiers to the borders of their neighboring country. President Vladimir Putin commanded the attack on Ukraine and revealed his “military
Literary City Spotlight: Portland Edition
Portland weaves together the beauty and peacefulness of nature, as well as a vibrant and bustling city scene. This makes it an ideal destination for writers, who can go from hiking in gorgeous forests to taking in the iconic works
5 Literary Ways to Give Back to the Community
Reading and writing poetry can provide a deep sense of purpose, as well as motivation to extend this purpose to others. If you’re a writer, it’s natural to want to inspire the same love of writing and reading throughout your
Poetry and Art Pairings: Anna Marie Tendler Edition
Anna Marie Tendler’s confessional, expressive art is everywhere lately—capturing thousands of likes on Instagram, inspiring a Harper’s Bazaar feature, and selling out both at art festivals and online. After years of designing intricate lampshades, Tendler surprised her audience by switching
Literary City Spotlight: Detroit
As the largest city in Michigan, Detroit has become a unique and flourishing haven for art, literature, and culture. In fact, some of today’s most notable poets—like Tyehimba Jess, Carolyn Forché, and Victoria Chang—hail from this creative and bustling area.
Poetry and Costume Pairings: Five Frightful Halloween Poems
When it comes to crafting the perfect Halloween costume, it’s all about imagery and details, much like poetry. Another similarity lies in poetry’s ability to revisit classic themes in new, interesting ways, the same way trick-or-treaters and party-goers alike continually reinvent
Six Poetry Collections to Read During Hispanic Heritage Month
“Someday, somewhere — anywhere, unfailingly, you'll find yourself, and that, and only that, can be the happiest or bitterest hour of your life.” —Pablo Neruda Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month, and what better way to celebrate than
5 Foundational Middle Eastern Poets to Add to Your Reading List
Spanning Western Asia and Egypt, the Middle East is a unique and diverse region. The area’s many different cultures, languages, and perspectives—as well as its evolving and rich history—are reflected in its urgent poetry. While these poets represent just a
Celebrate Juneteenth with These Musically Minded Poets
Falling on the 19th of June each year, Juneteenth is a national commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States—or, more specifically, the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans that occurred in Galveston, Texas in 1865. It is an
Literary City Spotlight: 6 Stand-Out Sites in Milwaukee
As the fifth-largest city in the Midwest, Milwaukee has a lot to offer. The city is known for its expansive art scene, stunning lake views, and—of course—its designation as one of the beer capitals of the world. While visitors will
7 Must-Read Poetry Books by LGBTQ+ Authors
It’s officially Pride month, the perfect time to commemorate the impact that LGBTQ+ individuals have had on a local, national, and even international level. Pride month is held in June in honor of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, a pivotal event