Unexpected

When language and meaning meet in unexpected ways, you begin to have something. You have something.

Danielle Pieratti’s “In the Hayloft”

Simplicity

Sometimes simplicity in a poem refreshes the way we see things.

Simon J. Titchener’s “A question of optimism”

Complex

A poem which is well-rounded and complex in its functioning.

Paul Killebrew’s “Not Inside”

Vibrant

An antidote to the many bloodless and safe poems around. This is vibrant and rich work.

Dom Gabrielli’s “The Body Without Organs”

Satisfying

A sensitive description is worth much. This poem is pure and satisfying.

Roger Desy’s “Deer”

Evocative

Something so evocative and eloquent as this is rare and uncompromising.

Monica Berlin’s “This Slow Rise”

Place

Sometimes a poem just takes you there. Or you take it there with your attentive reading of it.

Malaika King Albrecht’s “Beyond the Clover Meadow”

Seeking

This poem of seeking is filled with eloquence and temperance.

Christina Matthews’ “Salmon”

Inside

To be inside a poem like this. To be immersed in its sounds and incidents…

James Arthur’s “In Praise of Noise”

Depth

Depth and loveliness in one remarkable poem.

Daniel Patrick Sheehan’s “Birdsong”