"A joyous shot at how things ought to be"

August 14, 2024

poems from the archive

Read poems by more of our 2024 Poet Laureate Fellows:

Gilgamesh in the news


“[Gilgamesh] is so ancient and yet so alive, and it kept changing as I was literally working on it. I compare it to painting a model who won’t sit still.” —Academy seminar instructor Sophus Helle in the New York Times

Revisit Helle’s three-part seminar on the ancient epic. Access course materials, recordings, and transcripts at a 50% discount for a limited time only.

more reading

#poetrynearyou

opportunities for poets

jobs for poets

For opportunities, visit our jobs page for current openings.

last week’s poem-a-day


Revisit last week’s Poem-a-Day selections on 
Poets.org:


To a Tree in Bloom,” Hildegarde Flanner
Alone in bed thinking about another breakup,” Ty Chapman
When it Really is Just the Wind, and Not a Furious Vexation,” Kyle Tran Myhre
And out of the ashes,” Farah Habad
Once and Future,” Desdamona
Rest Stop,” Chandler Peters-Durose
Bluebird and Cardinal,” Karle Wilson Baker

Older messages

"Kin: First Responders" by Tameka Cage Conley

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

One of they own was down in the belly of the river, Facebook Twitter Instagram Support Poem-a-Day August 15, 2024 Kin: First Responders Tameka Cage Conley On August 2, 2010, siblings and cousins

Poetry for Back to School

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

The Dear Poet 2024 booklet is here! Facebook Twitter Instagram August 2024 dear poet “Stay close to the earth, Pepper. It listens to a poet's heart so well,” Nikky Finney (page 89). The Dear Poet

2024 Summer Books

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

Before summer ends, check out these new poetry titles from some of our partners, sponsors, and advertisers. View this email in your browser 2024 Summer Books Need something new to read for the Sealey

"How to Witness a Miracle Without Converting" by Ajanaé Dawkins

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

My mother swapped prayer for sharp screams when my / sister crowned. Facebook Twitter Instagram Support Poem-a-Day August 16, 2024 How to Witness a Miracle Without Converting Ajanaé Dawkins My mother

"Incurable" by Dorothy Parker

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

And if my heart be scarred and burned, Facebook Twitter Instagram Poem-a-Day is reader-supported. Your gift today will help the Academy of American Poets continue to publish the work of 260 poets each

You Might Also Like

Katie Holmes’ Monochrome Outfit Debuts Winter’s New *It* Color

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

We're major fans. The Zoe Report Daily The Zoe Report 1.14.2025 Katie Holmes' Monochrome Outfit Debuts Winter's New *It* Color (Celebrity) Katie Holmes' Monochrome Outfit Debuts

The Best Thing: January 14, 2025

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

The Best Thing is our weekly discussion thread where we share the one thing that we read, listened to, watched, did, or otherwise enjoyed recent… ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏

'Micro-Dosing' Your Concealer Is The Genius Hack For Flawless Skin

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

A celebrity makeup artist breaks it down. The Zoe Report Beauty The Zoe Report 1.14.2025 (Beauty) lisa eldridge pinpoint concealer micro correcting pencil (Makeup) 'Micro-Dosing' Your Concealer

How to Use TikTok in the US, Even When It's Banned

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

9 States Will Have Lower Income Taxes This Year. Even if TikTok is banned, there are ways to access it. Not displaying correctly? View this newsletter online. TODAY'S FEATURED STORY How to Use

Keke Palmer’s Greatest Role Is Herself

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Today in style, self, culture, and power. The Cut January 14, 2025 CUT COVERS Keke Palmer's Greatest Role Is Herself How the former child star became a multimedia mogul and stopped trying to please

A Deleted 'SATC' Scene Explains Charlotte & Trey's Divorce Twist

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Plus, Every time Anne Hathaway freed the nipple, your daily horoscope, and more. Jan. 14, 2025 Bustle Daily Y2K trends are back, but what happened to the optimism? BOOKS Y2K Trends Are Back, But What

Why I didn't save my kitchen during the LA fire evacuation

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Are TikTokers putting beef tallow on their faces? ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

New from Tim — My First Book In 7+ Years (Plus “Tactics and Strategies for a 2025 Reboot”)

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

The latest from author and investor Tim Ferriss ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏

Demi Moore Continues To Reinvent Herself

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Plus: Zendaya leans into the chaos of her characters. • Jan. 14, 2025 Up Next Your complete guide to industry-shaping entertainment news, exclusive interviews with A-list celebs, and what you should

Whose Leftovers Are They Anyway?

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Why I hope the right reaction to this isn't "Sir, this is a Starbucks" ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏