Natalie Eilbert- Indictus (Noemi Press, 2018)
Natalie Eilbert writes poetry that makes me a better person. There’s an intensity to Eilbert’s work that is only matched by her strength. I admire her so very much.
Bridget Lowe- My Second Work (Forthcoming February 2020, Carnegie Mellon Press)
I recently saw Lowe read from her work. I usually try to take notes when seeing writers read for the first time, but with Lowe on the stage, I just soaked in her words and was amazed by their vulnerability and strength.
Lee Ann Roripaugh
A week or so ago, I discovered her craft essay on anger and I shared it widely with my friends. This paired with her amazing-fantastic-wonderful poetry, I think Roripaugh deserves nothing but praise and admiration.
John Allen Taylor- Unmonstrous YesYes Books, 2019
I’ve known Taylor’s work for some time now; his writing consistently stays with me. If I could, I would buy his chapbook for everyone I know. And then strangers, too. The point is—I want everyone to read this book.
Afaa Michael Weaver
If I was to recommend any of Weaver’s books, I’d say The Government of Nature (University of Pittsburgh Press, 2013), but truly, all of his books are wonderful. To this day, the poem “If You Tell” is hung on my wall in my office, but also in the hall of my heart; it breaks me open every time. But, that’s when the light comes in, and Weaver’s poetry is full of light.
Stephen Furlong is a poet who received his M.A. from Southeast Missouri State University. He is the author of the chapbook What Loss Taught Me, which was released by Nostrovia! Press last fall. He can be found on Twitter @StephenJFurlong.