It’s been a gift, honor, challenge, and puzzle to read and translate the renowned AfroCuban poet Nicolás Guillén. It’s grown me as a poet, translator, scholar, and child of the African diaspora as I’ve looked for ways to voice anew the music and images of Guillén’s "Great Zoo." I’m still learning from all the ways his dark humor and clever criticism radiate across our pasts, presents, and futures.
Aaron Coleman on "THE WINDS" |
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"Historic Painting of Poet Who Inspired Robert Burns Discovered"
“A portrait of Robert Fergusson has been discovered at a Scottish castle and could help shed new light on the celebrated 18th-century poet. The intriguing discovery coincides with the 250th anniversary of the death of the poet, who served as the inspiration behind Robert Burns beginning his literary career. The painting was found at Barnbougle Castle, near Edinburgh, and is part of a prestigious collection of the 5th Earl of Rosebery Archibald Primrose, a former Prime Minister and noted antiquarian.”
viaTHE HERALD |
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What Sparks Poetry:
Vincent Toro on Language as Form
"Form is not merely shape, it’s concept. It’s not merely a concept, it is a vessel for culture that transmits the values and ways of a people....When our own forms are marginalized or entirely ignored while an oppressor culture forcefully imposes their own forms on us, some of us are going to act reflexively to such an action, and some of us are going to make it a mission to reclaim our own forms and create space for them to be appreciated and respected in equal proportion. This is, in part, the reason for my devotion to the décima." |
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