Reviews of debut poetry collections

At the AWP I learned about Boxcar Poetry Review, an online, bimonthly magazine which reviews only debut collections. I asked whether they'd consider reviewing collections published in the UK, and they said yes, so this may also provide an avenue for emerging UK poets to obtain some recognition in the States.

Poetry, walking, and Peter Riley

Read Billy Mills on Peter Riley's "walking poem" and poetry and walking more broadly on his Guardian blog.

Moments from the AWP in Chicago, February 2009

Phoebe Woodward's exquisite dessert at The Park Grill

Molly Peacock and Tim Liardet at The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant

Joe Liardet and I, across the table from Molly and Tim

After a conversation about insomnia, Molly shares her iPod with Tim 

(I think it was an audio book she uses to get to sleep)

The Struggle for $50 Million for the Arts in the US Economic Stimulus Package

I'm glad for the happy ending, but saddened by the difficulty pro-arts senators and representatives faced. Read about it in yesterday's New York Times.

Another painting by Sara Cummings, age 5

Sara's latest

Click to enlarge. Sara is my 5 1/2-year-old niece.

My destroying angel appears

in today's issue of the TLS, in the poem, "Pursuit, Dublin."

Frank O'Hara on American TV show Mad Men

A delightfully intelligent use of poetry on TV. Commentary appears in this New York Times article.

Jackie Kay on the Return of the Poetry Pamphlet

in Friday's Guardian. She's speaking solely on the situation in the UK; in the States, the poetry pamphlet, there called a chapbook, is almost de rigueur.

Would that I were at Mulligan's

The best pint of Guinness in Dublin and, when half-empty, a great atmosphere