Poetry and Freedom of Speech: 4 Poets on the Front Lines of the Anti-Censorship Fight
Poetry and freedom of speech have long been intertwined. Iconic poets throughout history, from John Milton to Gwendolyn Brooks, have had their work censored from audiences. Though fighting against censorship is now more urgent than ever, the systemic problem only
Iconic Interviews with 6 Historical Poets
It’s one thing to read a poet’s work, and it’s another to hear their voice. It can be illuminating to listen to your favorite poet’s tone and cadence, and just as exciting to hear their perspective on literature, society, and
6 Spectacular Poetry Collections to Educate and Inspire This Black History Month
It’s Black History Month, and poetry marks the perfect way to both reflect and celebrate. The complexity and emotion of poetry have often made it the perfect medium to share both the rich joy of Black culture and the pain
5 Poetry and Literature Podcasts to Add to Your Listening Library
From long-form journalism to fiction series’ to how-to shows, podcasts provide education and entertainment on a wide range of topics. Poetry and literature are no exception. Whether you’re searching for your next favorite read or want to learn how to
5 Lucky Poems for the Year of the Rabbit
Lunar New Year begins January 22 (Chinese New Year), and this year is predicted to be one of hope. 2023 is the year of the Water Rabbit, which symbolizes prosperity, peace, and longevity. Those born in the year of the
5 Formative Ways to Engage Politically Through Poetry
With elections on November 8, chances are you’ve received emails and social media ads asking you to vote or donate, plus seen your fair share of TV commercials. All of this information can seem overwhelming—but while the news cycle is
4 Poetry Collections to Read in Translation
Poetry in translation can seem intimidating, but pushing past this initial reaction can help broaden your reading list, introduce you to new poetic traditions, and expose you to some of the most revered, fascinating collections. While poetry in translation has
5 Awe-Inspiring AAPI Poets to Read Throughout May and Beyond
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, a time to recognize and elevate AAPI stories and accomplishments. Though Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders represent 7% of the U.S. population—with 22.4 million AAPI people calling the nation home—their
My Body, My Choice: Four Outspoken Poets Writing for Reproductive Rights
Trigger Warning: This article discusses abortion, sexual violence, and rape culture. It’s been a challenging and painful several years for feminist activists. A wave of anti-abortion heartbeat bills, shuttered health clinics, a Supreme Court newly dominated by anti-choice and misogynist justices
4 Ukrainian Poets to Support
With the recent Russian invasion of Ukraine, many people are looking toward news outlets and politicians to deepen their understanding of this horrific conflict. Suddenly, Americans find themselves contemplating how best to show solidarity with Ukrainian people, a lofty yet
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