Visting Poets House

On Saturday, Jennifer, Colleen, and I visited Poets House. This was my second visit, yet my stays are way too short. I let myself get lost in the stacks and stacks of poetry collections and the time flies!

It's amazing what they have on their shelves. I looked through Anne Carson's Nox, a foldout collection of poetry, photos, and letters--amazing. But I also saw something that looked like an elementary school-level stapled book report, complete with a red construction paper cover. Couldn't tell if that was a gimmick or an authentic book. I found both in the 2010 Showcase exhibit, along with new collections by D.A. Powell, Rachel Zucker, Wesley McNair, Susan Rich, and Jessie Carty, to name a few. So cool.

I was a little disappointed not to find Underlife. And not just Underlife--didn't see any recent titles by my publisher, CavanKerry Press. I know they're backlogged and rely on interns. Still, it's nice to know that your first collection is on display for anyone who shows up on a whim, like me.

We heard rumors of a wedding happening today at Poets House in the garden area. The space is just that lovely (and no, I don't know if a poet is getting married or which one). If you're in NYC, I hope you get a chance to visit. Jennifer, Colleen, and I may come back in the fall for another mini writers retreat just to spend a long afternoon immersed in poetry.