|
On November 12-14, 1999, the PSA, in collaboration with Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky and the New School Writing Department, presented a festival to address what it means to be a reader and writer of poetry in the United States today. Pinsky, who gave the keynote speech, was joined by 16 of his contemporaries to debate the characteristics of American form and language and to consider what if anything is distinct about American subject matter. For a front row seat to the event, visit our What's American Photo Gallery.
In preparation for our festival, we mailed a survey with general questions about the current state of poetry in America to several hundred poets across the country, representing all genres, cultures, and aesthetics. Approximately one hundred poets responded with essays and comments. For a sample of what some of the nation's most significant poets answered to such questions as "Are there essential ways in which you consider yourself an American poet?" or "What significance does popular culture possess in your sense of American poetry?" visit our What's American Q & A.
|
