Poetry Off the Shelf

Keetje Kuipers, a celebrated poet and author of 'Lonely Women Make Good Lovers', shares her heartfelt journey as a single mother by choice. She discusses the balancing act of love, creativity, and family life, revealing how her experiences shape her poetry. From embracing solitude to redefining love and motherhood, Keetje opens up about unexpected joys and challenges. She also dives into the complexities of marriage and intimacy in poetry, inviting listeners to explore the transformative power of connections in all their forms.

Catherine-Esther Cowie on Saint Lucia, breathing life into history, and the violence in our heart.

Keetje Kuipers, a celebrated poet known for her exploration of love and family, shares her journey of becoming a single mother by choice. She dives into the intricacies of love, discussing parenting's challenges and the emotional depth of her experiences. Kuipers reveals how the unpredictability of life shapes poetry and reflects on solitude and self-discovery. With vivid anecdotes, she challenges societal norms about family while embracing risk and the transformative power of writing in understanding love's complexities.

Tiana Clark on divorce, joy, and taking up space on the page.

Four poets on old stories, cultural memory, and minority languages.

Rebecca Lindenberg on diabetes, a final phone call, and letting yourself fall in love.

Catherine Barnett on improv, misfit details, and the humor in elegy. 

Mike Sonksen on the Los Angeles fires and what it means to love a city in danger.

Helen Vendler and Marjorie Perloff in the words of people who loved them.

Caleb Femi on parties, golden pavements, and the downside of self-awareness.