It is a common misconception that poetry stopped being published with T.S. Eliot and is only found in archaic books on the back shelves in libraries. Perhaps this is a bit of an exaggeration, but it is true that many students are unaware of the vibrant local poetry scene that exists right under our noses. I have to admit, even I am sadly uninformed about the state of modern poetry and its presence in the Madison community. But as it turns out, not only is poetry alive, thriving and deeply embedded in our culture, but the downtown and campus areas are swarming with poets of not only local but international notoriety.
Take Ray Hsu, for example - It turns out he's a big deal in Canada. His first book of poems Anthropy"" won the Gerald Lampert Award for best first book, and he was recently the subject of a Bravo documentary about poets that aired in Canada. His next book of poetry will come out either in fall 2008 or spring 2009. And Hsu happens to be a graduate student at UW-Madison. You may have seen him at a State Street coffee shop or even had him as a TA in an English class.
Because of my lack of knowledge about the local poetry scene, Hsu generously agreed to fill me in. When asked about poetry on the local stage, he said the most obvious place to find it is through the university. Many big names in poetry on the national level often come through UW-Madison and give readings, such as Tyehimba Jess, Gabrielle Calvocoressi and, coming this year, Jean Valentine. In addition, the Big Mouth Series at the Union is a showcase for spoken word poetry. Also, student groups such as the Madison Review and Illuminations offer an opportunity for students to experience working behind the scenes with poetry through literary magazines.
Hsu says there is a strong poetry scene outside the university as well. Avol's Bookstore just off of State Street is a huge center for readings of ""page"" poets (as opposed to spoken-word poets), as is the yearly Wisconsin Book Festival, held all over the downtown area.
Furthermore, Madison is home to Madison's Urban Spoken Word Collective, the Madison slam team which Hsu hails as the ""dream team of Madison poets in terms of spoken word"" and describes as being ""on the cutting-edge"" of slam poetry.
Hsu also notes that poetry is found in places many wouldn't think to find it in, proving it is entrenched in so many communities. For instance, last year he facilitated a poetry workshop at Oakhill Correctional Institute and says some amazing work came out of the class. He adds that poetry books are often most popular in prison libraries. When asked about poets he admires, he cites Canadian singer/songwriter Justin Rutledge, proving that poetry is found in so many places not initially recognized.
If students want to get involved with the local poetry scene, a good resource is madpoetry.org, which lists all local poetry events. Not only is the Madison poetry scene a thriving one, but - if Ray Hsu is any indication - a welcoming one as well.
If you share a love for Madison poetry, e-mail Anna at akwilliams1@wisc.edu.
