Pandemic Poetic Perspectives was written as a dialogue of expression between professor and teacher/students. The book reflects New York City teachers’ emotions, hopes and fears around Covid 19 while New York was the global virus hotspot. The book reminds us of the essential and personal nature of teaching, and of the exceptional dedication of those confronted by their own existential horror of the virus and its threat and repercussions with their students. Brett Blake’s edited collection attests to the human, the intellectual, and the pedagogical as we unravel words echoing the raw locus reflected during the early days of the treacherous pandemic. Not only a testament to the strength and integrity of our teachers, but an illustration of the power of poetry and narrative to understand ourselves.Shirley R Steinberg, Research ProfessorThe University of Calgary