Lyricality Blog
Crevice by Emerson Sloane
Guest editor Lane Henson writes, “I love Emerson Sloane’s poem, CREVICE, for its intense passion and imagery. The poet does not waste any words here – the power comes from the concise language, tight rhythm, and evocative sounds. Emerson’s razor-sharp focus carries us skillfully into this world she has created, that she is stirring awake, in three short stanzas.”
You did it, Frank by Bob Monahan
Bob Monahan’s You did it, Frank is a poem filled with sharp metaphors spoken softly. The contemplative nature of this piece invites the reader into the poet’s process as they struggle with the “quivering quill” of fierce inspiration and the sometimes inevitable one-that-gets-away.
Notre Dame de Paris, 1971 by Deborah Rasmussen
Deborah Rasmussen’s poem, Notre Dame de Paris, 1971, beautifully follows the ghost of young love through the cathedral’s looming architecture. This poem asks us to consider those things that are left behind – that so quickly fall apart – in the presence of what feels ancient, infallible.
Tula by Chris Santiago
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. Our guest editor is Su Hwang, author of Lyricality's Read Poetry 2020 selection Bodega. Chris Santiago is the author of Tula, selected by A. Van Jordan as the winner of the 2016 Lindquist & Vennum Prize for Poetry. A 2017 Finalist for the Minnesota Book Award and 2018 McKnight...
Authenticity by Jennifer Kwon Dobbs
Jennifer Kwon Dobbs is the author of two poetry collections and two chapbooks, most recently Interrogation Room (White Pine Press, 2018) mentioned in The New York Times and the recipient of the 2020 Association of Asian American Studies Book Award for Outstanding Achievement in Creative Writing: Poetry. Su Hwang selects “Authenticity” by Jennifer Kwon Dobbs.
Azaleas by Merle Geode
Merle Geode is a queer, non-binary poet, writer, multidisciplinary artist, and shamanic practitioner living with metastatic breast cancer and a hot mess of other human conditions. They often use ritual and trance as generative—and healing—processes to give stories containers in many forms. Their work explores grief, chaos/disruption, and messy embodiment. In fall 2019, they began their MFA in Poetry at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. They are a former food writer, dog groomer, and Loft Literary Center Mirrors & Windows Fellow. They are currently working on a picture book about anticipatory grief and death.
Nomad by Halima Hagi-Mohamed
In responding to the implied question, “Where are you from?” This poem reaches out to connect strangers heart-to-heart and ends with an implied invitation to all of us, about all of our experiences: “give it a name.”
Maxaa Kaa Maqan? by Anisa Hagi-Mohamed
This poem by Anisa Hagi-Mohamed resounds the universal cry of all humans, to be understood and validated by our elders, especially by our parents.
essential worker by aegor ray
Sunday Morning Lyricality Guest Editor, Su Hwang, author of Lyricality’s Read Poetry 2020 selection, Bodega, presents aegor ray’s poem “essential worker” in honor of asian american and pacific islander heritage month.
Careful What You Wish For by Bao Phi
Seriously! Last night I had a dream that I was a white man. Unlike in my
youth, when I fantasized about such things, this time I did not ask for it––
and yet there I was in the mirror; high, sharp cheekbones; sensible but not-
too-fussy hair; striking eyes; good facial hair. I decided to see how it went.