Bird Eating Bird Poems: A National Poetry Series Anthology

The National Poetry Series (NPS) is a prestigious annual program that awards five poets publication of their first book-length collections. Since its inception in 1978, the NPS has published over 400 debut poets, many of whom have gone on to become some of the most celebrated voices in contemporary American poetry.

Bird Eating Bird: Poems (National Poetry Series)

by Lovely Raju

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	207 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	114 pages
Paperback	:	106 pages
Item Weight	:	7.5 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.24 x 9 inches

FREE

In 2022, the NPS published Bird Eating Bird Poems, an anthology featuring the winning manuscripts from the 2021 competition. The collection showcases a diverse range of voices and styles, from the lyrical and meditative to the experimental and political.

The Poets

The five poets featured in Bird Eating Bird Poems are:

* Gabrielle Calvocoressi, author of Apocalyptic Swing* Caryl Pagel, author of Experiments in Joy* Paige Lewis, author of Space Struck* José Olivarez, author of Citizen Illegal* Ocean Vuong, author of On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous

These poets come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, but they share a commitment to pushing the boundaries of language and form. Their poems are often challenging, but they are also rewarding, offering readers new ways to see the world.

The Poems

The poems in Bird Eating Bird Poems explore a wide range of themes, including love, loss, identity, and social justice. The poets use a variety of poetic devices, from traditional forms to free verse, to create poems that are both beautiful and thought-provoking.

Here is a brief excerpt from each of the five winning manuscripts:

* Gabrielle Calvocoressi, "Apocalyptic Swing":
>The world is ending, but we're still dancing. >The music is loud, the lights are bright, >And we're all just trying to forget. >But outside, the sky is falling, >And the earth is splitting open.

* Caryl Pagel, "Experiments in Joy":
>I'm trying to find joy >In the smallest of things. >The way the light hits the leaves, >The way the birds sing in the morning. >I'm trying to find joy >In the midst of all this pain.

* Paige Lewis, "Space Struck":
>I'm not from here, >I'm from a place where the stars are closer >And the moon is brighter. >I'm from a place where the air is thinner >And the gravity is lighter. >I'm from a place where the dreams are bigger >And the possibilities are endless.

* José Olivarez, "Citizen Illegal":
>I'm an alien in my own country. >I'm a criminal for speaking my language. >I'm a threat for being who I am. >But I'm not going to be silent. >I'm not going to be afraid. >I'm going to speak up. >I'm going to fight back.

* Ocean Vuong, "On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous":
>In the kingdom of childhood >There was no password >No visa or curfew >You only had to know the way >You only had to know to knock >And to say the right words.

Bird Eating Bird Poems is a powerful and moving collection that showcases the best of contemporary American poetry. The five poets featured in this anthology are all rising stars, and their work is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers.

If you are interested in reading more great poetry, I encourage you to check out the National Poetry Series website. The NPS publishes five new books of poetry each year, and all of the books are available for free online.

Bird Eating Bird: Poems (National Poetry Series)

by Lovely Raju

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	207 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	114 pages
Paperback	:	106 pages
Item Weight	:	7.5 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.24 x 9 inches

FREE