What Is Ecopoetry?

Because I don't teach, I feel as if the term ecopoety snuck up on me. What exactly is ecopoetry, and what makes a poet an ecopoet? What is the difference between ecopoetry and nature poetry? I'm guessing it's a connectedness to the natural world, but with a sense of responsibility. Is the focus solely on environmental issues? I wonder if most of the poetry in this genre is negative (the world is in bad shape and it's your fault) or positive (we can save the earth). This is an oversimplification, I know.

So, which poets are writing in this vein? And, can you recommend poems or non-critical articles/book on the topic? I know of the book Earth's Body: An Ecopoetry Anthology, which I believe is forthcoming. Any others?

Thanks.


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Yesterday, the area north of Boston experienced a four-hour power outage. Happened right when I got home from work. So I scooped up the kids and went to the mall for dinner. I've entertained the kids during a power outage before and it's a lot of work. Electricity came on just before 10 p.m. after the kids went to bed.

Reading by candlelight, I felt as if I was going back to nature temporarily.

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Tonight, I'm going to a Q&A with Terrance Hayes. Should be very cool. Pictures to come.