Ross Gay — Ode to Buttoning and Unbuttoning My Shirt
Ross Gay’s poem “Ode to Buttoning and Unbuttoning My Shirt” uses an everyday task to examine what is made and unmade in small moments. He imagines his fingers opening and closing things, like buttons,...
24 Helmi 20208min
Allison Funk — The Prodigal’s Mother Speaks to God
Allison Funk’s poem “The Prodigal’s Mother Speaks to God” tells the age-old story of The Prodigal Son through a new voice: the unnamed woman of the parable. This woman is truthful, wise, and loving. S...
21 Helmi 20208min
Jane Mead — Substance Abuse Trial
Jane Mead’s “Substance Abuse Trial” is set in a courtroom where a daughter hears her father’s name mispronounced at his trial. As she watches this, she wishes that the court could see the fullness of ...
17 Helmi 20209min
Ocean Vuong — Seventh Circle of Earth
Ocean Vuong’s poem “Seventh Circle of Earth” is an homage to the love and intimacy shared by Michael Humphrey and Clayton Capshaw, a gay couple who were murdered in their home in Dallas, Texas. In the...
14 Helmi 202011min
Tracy K. Smith — Song
Tracy K. Smith’s poem “Song” is filled with observations of a loved person: their habits, the things they do when they think nobody is watching. Love is shown and celebrated in observing the small pra...
10 Helmi 20208min
Marie Howe — My Mother’s Body
Marie Howe’s poem “My Mother’s Body” is wise about age. In the poem, Marie’s mother is young enough to be Marie’s own daughter, and in this imagination there is wonder, understanding, and even forgive...
7 Helmi 20208min
Faisal Mohyuddin — Prayer
Faisal Mohyuddin’s poem “Prayer” describes a practice of devotion. It’s a spacious and hospitable poem, filled with references to ritual and the body, and an invitation to share in the warm light of a...
3 Helmi 20208min
Aimee Nezhukumatathil — On Listening to Your Teacher Take Attendance
Aimee Nezhukumatathil’s poem “On Listening to Your Teacher Take Attendance” offers a way to ground yourself during vulnerable moments. The poet gathers strength from being loved, which helps her in ti...
31 Tammi 20208min
