Delmarva Today 11-12-21
Wilson’s guests are Dr. James King, and Ms. Kim Roberts. They discuss a recent article by Leah Asmelash published by CNN. The article argues that poetry is experiencing a new golden age today with young writers of color taking the lead. As evidence Asmelash cites the general enthusiasm expressed for Amanda Gorman’s presentation of her poem at President Joe Biden’s inauguration and the fact that poet Rupi Kaur appeared as a guest on The Tonight Show and has a special on Amazon Prime. She also offers as evidence of the new ferment in poetry the MacArthur Foundation’s awarding of its “genus” grant to three poets for the first time since 1998. Finally, Asmelash notes that the Lincoln Center named its first poet-in-residence this year.
All this suggests that we may well be in a new golden age of poetry. If so, what is the contribution of young writers of color? Also, what does this new interest in poetry tell us about our troubled culture today? Is it true that times of turmoil and division often call forth the voices of the poet?
Dr. King is a professor in the English Department at Salisbury University. He teaches African American Literature and African Literature as well as other literature courses. Ms. Roberts is an award-winning poet, literary historian, and editor. She is the author of five books of poems, editor of two anthologies, and co-editor of the web-exhibit DC Writers’ Homes. Kim has published widely in literary journals throughout the US, as well as in Brazil, Canada, England, France, and a number of other countries.