much thanks for providing the list; to all:
take a gander at Wislawa Szymborska, and remember Wendell Berry.

As for Wilbur, indeed an important poet, but also of an older school. He is, perhaps, the last of his generation–his peers Hecht, Milosz, and Justice having only lately passed away. But that’s hardly the point. He is certainly to be read, and often. And especially by anyone claiming to practice the craft of poetry.

This is a neat list. I haven’t really enjoyed reading poetry (except for the Bible) in years, but your poetry, actually, began to draw me back in when your dad posted a couple of your poems. I clicked one of the links you posted above which took me to a poem called “Render, Render” by Thomas Lux (which reminded me of your “Luke 18.25″, which I still think is one of the most powerful and moving poems I’ve ever read.)

So thanks again…I think we need poetry, and it’s nice to have a resource for finding the good stuff.

To the trackback above–what’s that word “rare” doing in your title? And, Dana, very flattering, but that’s why I’m making the list. :-)

Really good suggestions, Jake. James Wright would certainly be on the list if he was still alive.

As the plump squirrel scampers
Across the roof of the corncrib
The moon suddenly stands up in the darkness And I see that it is impossible to die.
Each moment of time is a mountain.
An eagle rejoices in the oak trees of heaven,
Crying
This is what I wanted.

Has anyone seen the midwest as tenderly?

After studying creative writing at a state university for four years i’ve gained a yearning for well-crafted writing, but am always desperate for recommendations.

Thank God for the Truth poetry brings to light like nothing else can.