Meredith Nnoka‘s poetry works at the intersection of narrative and meticulous research, but it’s also drenched in emotion. Nnoka’s 2016 collection A Hunger Called Music: A Verse History Of Black Music focuses on specific American musical genres that were founded by black artists, starting with Field Holler (a melodic cry attributed to slaves while working, […]
The interwoven works of Hiwot Adilow
Hiwot Adilow is an emerging writer who works at a crossroads of music, poetry, and performance. She has been a part of Madison-based music acts such as The Bellhops and ME eN YOU, but recently she has been writing and developing a new set of music as a solo artist. Adilow and her band were a hit at […]
The transportive lyricism of Derrick Austin
Derrick Austin‘s poetry has an ability to quickly and quietly transport the reader to a serene place. His work pulls from history, religion, and mythology, while at the same time using imagery that reflects contemporary figures and pop culture. What makes his debut collection, 2016’s Trouble The Water, so attractive and enchanting is its scope. […]
The margin is for the Holy Ghost
Rita Mae Reese has climbed through many different jobs and paths to get to Madison. She grew up in beautiful West Virginia, and often draws from her roots in her poetry. Her path led her to work up the ranks for a lesbian press down in Florida, earning a Bachelor’s at Florida State University, moving to […]
