Best Contemporary American Poets (With on Irish in the mix)

Wright is a Southern writer who can evoke images from the south to an amzing effect. What’s cooler, of course, is that he also is a big fan of Eastern mysticism and religion. Pick up The World of Ten Thousand things to see how he can blend these two seemingly incongrous worlds seamlessly, and to a magical effect.

One of my favorite poets, Graham comes from New York City, was raised in Rome, and taught at Harvard. Her poetry sometimes seems disjointed and overly abstract, but she’s able to give form to the otherwise hyperactive world that we live in. Good for a mind-fuck.

Another Souther poet who uses the south to mix with his world experience. Komunyakaa’s collection “Talking Dirty To the Gods” is excellent. Because he fought in Vietman, much of his poetry deals with the war. Of course, this becomes all the more topical in today’s political climate. His poem “Facing It’ is unforgettable.

A link between the beat poets and contemporary poets, Berryman is one of Americas best known poets. His collection The Dream Songs is widely read, and deservedly so. Sadly, Berryman took his own life. He remains one of Americas most enduring poets.

Former poet Laureate, Pinksy is as famous for his work advocating poetry as he is writing it. This isn’t to diminish his own role in writing some fantastic works. His emphasis on the sound of words, and how words come together seems always central. I was able to meet him and had a very nice conversation, so he’s a nice guy to boot!

The only non-American on the list. Heaney is perhaps one of the world’s greatest living poets. His way with words, and outlook on Ireland is enchanting. Start with his poem “Digging” That should get you hooked.