Hey everyone, and welcome back to Poetry at The Disco! Today, we're diving into the world of art, activism, and the fight for a fair shake. Have you ever felt like your creative work, your writing, is just another cog in the machine for someone else's profit? Like the words you pour your heart into are just fuel for a corporation's bottom line? Chances are, if you're an artist of any kind, that feeling has crossed your mind at least once.

Hey everyone, and welcome to Poetry at The Disco. Today's episode dives into the fascinating story of Harriet Monroe, a woman who, in 1893, found herself at a turning point that would not only change her life but also significantly impact the landscape of American poetry.

Imagine a book that's both a love letter and a battle cry. That's "Stories and Poems of a Class Struggle" by Salvadoran poet Roque Dalton. It's a collection filled with fierce passion, urging readers to fight for social justice. But it's not just anger – there's a deep tenderness for the people caught in this struggle. This podcast episode dives into Dalton's powerful words, exploring how he uses poetry to fight for a better world.

This episode dives into the story of Harriet Monroe, a poet, and her connection to the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, also known as the Chicago World's Fair. We'll explore Monroe's poem, "The Columbian Ode," written for the event. While the poem itself isn't widely read today, the story behind it is fascinating. We'll discuss the drama surrounding its publication and how it became a turning point for Monroe's career, ultimately leading her to found Poetry magazine, a publication that would have a lasting impact on American literature.

Unveiling a hidden chapter in history, this episode dives into the fascinating intersection of women's rights and spirituality at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. The iconic fair, celebrating 400 years of Columbus' arrival, is often remembered for its technological marvels and global exhibits. But beneath the surface, a quiet revolution was brewing.

This episode explores the groundbreaking presence of women at the fair. For the first time, a dedicated "Woman's Building" showcased female achievements in art, science, and industry. We'll hear about the remarkable women who organized and participated, challenging traditional gender roles and demanding a seat at the table.

Beyond the physical space, the fair also saw a convergence of diverse spiritual traditions. The World Parliament of Religions brought together religious leaders from all over the globe, including a groundbreaking "Women's Committee." This episode delves into how women used this platform to advocate for religious equality and challenge the patriarchal structures within their own faiths.Join us as we explore this lesser-known chapter of the Chicago World's Fair, a testament to the ongoing struggles and triumphs of women seeking equality and spiritual connection.

This episode delves into Ben Lerner's captivating novel, "The Lights." Here, Lerner takes an unexpected approach: using clear, unadorned language to depict a world that feels unsettlingly unreliable. It's a fascinating technique that forces us to question what we perceive as reality.

Imagine a story where the ground beneath your feet seems to shift. Everyday experiences are colored by a sense of uncertainty. Through Lerner's masterful use of plain speech, we encounter characters and situations that challenge our assumptions about the world. 

Is this a deliberate blurring of lines, or a reflection of our own fractured times? Join us as we unpack the complexities of "The Lights" and explore how Lerner uses a seemingly simple writing style to create a profoundly thought-provoking experience.

Delve into the world of American poet Saskia Hamilton on this episode of [Podcast Name]! We'll explore her life and literary journey, examining the themes and influences that shape her powerful verse. Expect insightful discussions on her acclaimed collections, including "All Souls" and "Corridor," as well as a deeper understanding of her unique style, known for its delicate balance of discipline and emotional depth.

Selected Poems of Calvin C. Hernton is a long-overdue retrospective of one of America’s most important Black poets.

Four hundred unruly, obsessive, baffling years of Shakespeare’s First Folio.

A new edition of Tomas Tranströmer’s collected works showcases his wild associative leaps.