Comments on: Suheir Hammad, ‘breaking poems’ (Cypher Books, 2008)

By: Terreson

Terreson — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 05:04:02 +0000

Yes to the article. This is the thing.

By: R.L.

R.L. — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:12:20 +0000

THANK YOU! so much for this post, and for introducing me to this lovely poet. Since Annie Finch’s & Camille Dungy’s inevitable departure, I have really been missing Harriet usual, thoughtful discussions on various poetics/poetries (often those that slip under the radar). I don’t often comment, but I felt the need to do so here, to welcome you and to say I look forward to more posts from you to come.
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By: Rich Villar

Rich Villar — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 22:32:30 +0000

Cypher is ALSO publishing Rachel McKibbens’ debut collection, PINK ELEPHANT. She’ll reading with Aracelis Girmay, Willie Perdomo, and Tara Betts at Fordham University this November.

It’s good to be in New York this fall. Just sayin.
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By: Barbara Jane Reyes

Barbara Jane Reyes — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 21:12:48 +0000

Thanks Francisco, Yes Cypher Books is a really exciting indie press, and I thought about submitting DIWATA to them. Their first two releases included poetry on CD as well; I like this consideration for both the spoken and written word.

I’m interested in the forthcoming John Murillo collection. They will also publishing Roger Bonair-Agard’s second collection, GULLY.
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By: Latino Poetry Review

Latino Poetry Review — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 19:12:01 +0000

You’re off to a great start with these refreshing posts. Aside from learning about Hammad’s work, with some choice citations, I’m also especially appreciative of bringing to my attention (because I wasn’t aware of it) Cypher Books. I just got word that Cypher is going to bring out John Murillo’s UP JUMP THE BOOGIE early next year, a book I’m very looking forward to, in particular.
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By: Sam Rasnake

Sam Rasnake — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 17:57:31 +0000

An outstanding discussion of Hammad’s new work. I especially like the notion of “the reassembling of the many selves” which is at the core of this poetry.
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By: Sina Queyras

Sina Queyras — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 17:24:27 +0000

Nice to see you here BJ, and Suheir too. Looking forward to your posts.
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By: Tara Betts

Tara Betts — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 17:18:40 +0000

Hey Barbara Jane,
I wanted to share my kudos for Suheir, but I have to just say that the last two paragraphs, especially the last sentence speaks to the wealth of a broad array of voices that get overlooked and speak to the broad possibilities of what can be/include.
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By: Rich Villar

Rich Villar — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 17:18:00 +0000

At the risk of being redundant:

“And so for those American poets who doubt the existence or relevance of well-written political poetry in the USA, for those who think “political poetry” is just a post-9/11 fad, I would say to leave your comfy little academic and abstract circles and open your minds to poets coming out of communities of color, immigrant communities, multilingual communities, communities of working folk and families, these American poets’ communities, and see that “political poetry” has always existed, has always been necessary, has always been crafted and spoken and sang, has always served to educate, inspire, and mobilize its constituents.”

GOD YES! Okay, I really shouldn’t be screaming in my living room, but well. That’s probably the best sentence I’ve read all year.
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