Contemporary Poetry
Poets and poetry from early 20th century to the present.
A Biography of Carl Sandburg 
Carl Sandburg dropped out of school at 13. He dropped out of college at 24. And yet he became one of the most celebrated writers and poets of his time. Learn more about this well-beloved poet. Interpreting Plath
Sylvia Plath’s reputation influences the way readers approach her poetry. Her suicide especially contributes to the gloom that surrounds most interpretations of her work. How valid is such an approach? José Martí Biography
Imprisoned for treason at 16, José Martí would spend years in exile and become one of the most important figures and poets in Cuban history. You probably already know one of his poems. Learn more about him. The Life of Countee Cullen
Countee Cullen received praise and criticism throughout his lifetime for his portrayal of race. As one of the Harlem Renaissance’s premier poets, he gained international recognition, but he is largely forgotten today. Read more about this talented poet. The Life of Ezra Pound
He would help to change the shape of American poetry forever. But Ezra Pound would later be tried for treason against his homeland and spend twelve years in a mental institution. Learn more about the life of one of America’s most influential poets. The Life of Gabriela Mistral
Gabriela Mistral wrote powerfully emotional poetry, influenced by her personal life. Some of the profoundest emotions she plumbed were those felt by mothers, though she had no children herself. Learn more about the “other” celebrated Chilean diplomat and Nobel Laureate, Gabriela Mistral. The Life of Pablo Neruda
For 16 years, he represented Chile around the world. He was driven out of his homeland. He was denied the Nobel. He won it. He became an ambassador for Salvador Allende. He died days after Allende was deposed. From a life of dramatic highs and lows, Pablo Neruda created beautiful poetry. The Life of Sully Prudhomme
He was part of the beginning of an entire movement of poetry, but after two decades stopped writing poetry altogether. Thirteen years later, he received the first Nobel Prize in Literature. Learn more about the first Nobel Poet Laureate. The Life of William Carlos Williams
William Carlos Williams strove to develop a uniquely American poetic style—while maintaining a busy medical practice. His patients didn't know he was a writer, but he remains one of the most influential American poets today. Read more about his life. Thomas James Martin’s 'A Southern Line'
Unlike so much contemporary poetry that wants to startle us into some distorted way of viewing the things around us, these poems are as natural and unassuming as a shadow. To Rhyme or Not to Rhyme?
Rhyme, for its part, is a pivotal part of what most think of when defining what constitutes poetry. So why should beginning poets simply never use it? Wisława Szymborska: a Biography
Wisława Szymborska was an important literary figure in Poland in the tumultuous 1980s. She won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1996. Learn more about her influential life and writings. Yes - A Movie of Prose
Sally Potter's remarkable feat of a movie whose dialogue is comprised entirely of iambic pentameter.
Poetry Homepage |
Poetry Site Map
Think your link belongs here? Use the contact page to let this editor know.
|
