Poet and critic James Matthew Wilson drops by to share a few poems, discuss his writing process, and consider the re-emergence of form in contemporary poetry. Chris and James also discuss efforts to foster literary excellence in the culture more broadly. The episode includes its federally mandated Seinfeld reference, but this time it’s James who brings it up.

Show notes: ·        
James’s most recent poetry collection, Saint Thomas and the Forbidden Birds      
The Colosseum Institute       
University of St. Thomas’s MFA program         
“Quarantine Notebook” – Part XI         
Adrienne Rich reads “At a Bach Concert”

Time stamps: 
4:11 – Formalism and narrative poetry
18:17 – Publishers, literary journals, and MFA programs
29:06 – Saint Thomas and the Forbidden Birds
43:05 – “Quarantine Notebook”

Opening and closing music: Brendan Benson, “Spit It Out,” used with permission from the artist. 

Produced by Sean Doolan.