If you had to associate “poetry” with a certain month–what would you choose? I think I’d tend towards one in spring like April (which is, by the way, National Poetry Month) but there have been a surprising number of poetry-related events happening this year during October.
Throughout the month, Poetry magazine, which was founded in Chicago, has been celebrating its 100th anniversary with various events and a special centennial publication. (Some may be familiar with the astonishment–and criticism–that has been expressed over the $200 million donation the magazine received from philanthropist Ruth Lilly). Recognized for publishing many poets and poems before they became well-known, all 100 issues can be browsed on the Poetry Foundation’s website.
Another poetry organization (who knew there were so many?), the Academy of American Poets, announced the winner of the Lenore Marshall Poetry Prize during their annual Poets Forum last week. Dubbed, “most outstanding book of poetry published in 2011″ the winner is World Tree by David Wojahn.
Then, just a few days ago, the Library of Congress announced the biennial prize winner of the Bobbitt National Prize for Poetry: Early Collected Poems, 1965-1992 by Gerald Stern. This prestigious prize “recognizes the most distinguished book of poetry written by an American and published during the preceding two years.”
So lovers of verse rejoice and enjoy the autumn offerings of great poetry!
