We feel that to better American poetry is to jam dominant systems of taste to the best of our abilities, and to resignify the very phrase American poetry with the languages that it so desperately lacks. We intend to center voices of resistance, subjectivities that emerge from the radical margins, artists whose Americanness transcends nationalism and other borders, perspectives historically denied institutional backing–in short, poets and poetries that are urgent and necessary but do not get along nicely with Power. Bettering American Poetry is an explosive revelation of the arriving generation of American poets-arriving from every part of the landscape, bringing energies, gifts, and ways of seeing and saying of every kind. Plunge into its pages. See/ hear the news of who we are. –Jane Hirshfield, author of The Beauty
This anthology and its squad of editors better American poetry by gathering a diverse formation of poets who inspire us to read across difference, speak against power, and breathe through struggle. –Craig Santos Perez, author of from unincorporated territory [lukao]
Thank you, editors, thank you, authors for utterly rearranging my cells. This is the only anthology with the word American I want to be a part of. A series I will return to, giddy. How desperately I needed to experience how big a poem can be - what a gift you’ve given us - I’m beaming at you, poets - brutal and honey, whiplash and cry. –TC Tolbert, author of Gephyromania and co-editor of Troubling the Line: Trans and Genderqueer Poetry and Poetics
Some anthologies are important. Some are important and necessary. Resistance on every level to what is considered normal and acceptable is both important and necessary. It is the only way to breath. This gathering helps us breathe. We need all the help we can get. –John Yau, author The Wild Children of William Bake and Bijoux in the Dark.
