Calling poets to a greater role in public life and fostering a national network of socially engaged poets.
By Leslie Anne Mcilroy(1) to form by heating and hammering; beat into shape, as in the child’s back
burning, shoulders of flame, ribs of shame till she is no longer what she
was, but what you want her to be; 2) to form or make, especially by
concentrated effort, as in pride, see the girl, my girl, take credit, look what I
By Ellen McGrath SmithI wanted bad to advance to Washington, D. C.
I wanted to be anyone but me.
The nun who had trained me for the spelling bee
needed a ride, and I was so worried all the way across town
By Jeffrey McDanielJeffrey McDaniel performs the poem "God" at the 2010 Split This Rock Poetry Festival.
By Fady JoudahFady Joudah reads "Tenor" at the 2010 Split This Rock Poetry Festival.
By Rachel McKibbensRachel McKibbens performs the poem "Tom Boy" at the 2012 Split This Rock Poetry Festival.
By Khaled MattawaKhaled Mattawa performs the poem "Ecclesiastes" at the 2012 Split This Rock Poetry Festival.
By Minnie Bruce PrattMinnie Bruce Pratt performs the poem "Burning Water" at the 2012 Split This Rock Poetry Festival.
By Kathy EngelKathy Engel performs the poem "Inaugural" at the 2012 Split This Rock Poetry Festival.
By Naomi Shihab NyeNaomi Shahib Nye performs the poems "My Father, on dialysis" and "Shoulders" at the 2012 Split This Rock Poetry Festival.
By Marilyn NelsonMarilyn Nelson performs the poem "Millie Christine" at the 2012 Split This Rock Poetry Festival.