Contemporary Poets

Contemporary poetry contain poems focused on modern subject matter. Usually the writing methods of contemporary poets are creative and new. Kay Ryan is a contemporary American poet from California. In her Casa Romantica conference she reads from "The Niagara River" collection. Although her reading is a bit boring and unenthusiastic her poetry is far from it. She uses geographical allusions in her work. This special style uses vibrant images to help the reader connect with the poetry. In her poem "Blandeur", the title is a made up word that the speaker uses to describe a made up land. The fictitious word is a very playful way to connect with the reader. Like this poem in her conference she was playful and interactive with her audience.


Another contemporary American poet is Yusef Komunyakaa of Trinidadian descent. Komunyakaa is a Vietnam war veteran. In the reading of his poem "Facing It", Komunyakaa expresses the difficulty he endured when revealing his true feelings concerning the war. The reading was powerful and inspiring. He gave great insight into the turmoil post war veterans experience while trying to assimilate back into society.

Natasha Trethewey is a contemporary poet who chooses to stay active and speak about modern racial issues. Trethewey is the product of an interracial marriage in which at the time of her birth in Mississippi was considered an illegal act. Her background is an obvious influence in her subject matter. In the poem "White Lies" Trethewey, like Komunyakaa gives great insight into an experience some have never gone through. The speaker is a light skinned black or interracial little girl who lies about her nationality. As a young girl in a racially biased society she cannot help but feel being white is better. So many can relate to this being that the United States of America is such a culturally diverse society.Contemporary poets are new and innovative in their writing styles and subject matter. Most contemporary poems are easily identifiable because the writers are still alive and continue writing today.