"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

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