Poet in residence

Each term a different poet is in residence here, talking about poetry with anyone who wants to join in the conversation. You could comment on a poem you're studying, one you've heard here on the Poetry Archive, or one you're writing yourself. You could ask the poet a question. Or you could put a point of view, take a stand, start a debate.

To get involved, just read the poet's blog and then have your say. All you need to do is click 'Add a comment' and fill in the form. You can use your real name, or if you prefer to stay anonymous you can make one up. Your email address will not appear on the website.

This term's poet in residence

Kei Miller

Why I can't write a poem for Haiti By Kei Miller
27 Jan 2010 - 03:31 AM

I've watched the clips of the Hope for Haiti concert, and I realize that in times like these, artists give what they can give best - their art. So I've seen paintings on sale, and I've heard singles on the radio, and my own inbox is already full, requests from one organization or another asking for a story, or a poem for Haiti. Bless them. I trust they will get their poems, but not from me. I can't write an earthquake poem, just as I couldn't write a tsunami poem, or a 9-11 poem, or any poem that tries to stand side by side with a grieving world, reaching over to dab its eyes. Perhaps I think such poems are unnecessary.

8 comments latest by nicky
But I find poetry boring! By Kei Miller
17 Jan 2010 - 05:21 PM

This is not something I thought I was ever allowed to admit - that I find a good deal of poetry insufferably boring! And I'm not just talking about some of the ill-considered doggerel that's out there; I'm talking about poems that everyone else seems to agree is good, and excellent, and the very best. So I worry that if I admit the truth that I don't particularly like Pound or Donne or any number of poets, living or dead, that I really am supposed to like, that my own license will be revoked; that they will think I have no taste, or that I am a fraud.

19 comments latest by Dave Sissons
What kind of poet am I? By Kei Miller
14 Jan 2010 - 03:33 AM

I am mostly happy to be introduced as a Jamaican poet. This confuses and even worries some people - not the fact that I am a Jamaican poet but that I am happy to be introduced as one.

3 comments latest by David
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Poet In Residence Archive

You are welcome to explore our archive of past residencies and read some of the lively and varied discussions you'll find there.

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