NPR's Book of the Day
John Himmelman, Reginald Dwayne Betts take a populist approach to poetry in new books
Mar 28, 2025
Two poets discuss their unique approaches to making poetry accessible and engaging. John Himmelman shares his illustrated collection for children featuring Ivo, a boy living in a moon snail shell, emphasizing humor and brevity. Reginald Dwayne Betts reflects on his transformative journey from prison to poetry, using his latest work to explore themes of loss and joy through the lens of pet ownership. Both authors aim to connect with diverse audiences, showing that poetry can resonate on personal and societal levels.
15:52
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Quick takeaways
- John Himmelman's 'The Boy Who Lived in a Shell' engages children's imaginations through short, whimsical narratives centered on relatable experiences.
- Reginald Dwayne Betts' collection 'Doggeral' redefines poetry by emphasizing its accessibility and emotional connection using humor and the theme of companionship.
Deep dives
The Power of Populist Poetry
The concept of populist poetry is examined through two contrasting collections that appeal to a broad audience. Reginald Dwayne Betts discusses his collection titled 'Doggeral,' which challenges traditional views of poetry as elevated art. He defines 'doggeral' as a term for mediocre poetry, but argues that its purpose is to express emotions and connect with people from all walks of life. By infusing humor and relatable experiences throughout his poems, he emphasizes that poetry should be accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
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