https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/john-gallaher

Wave Books is an independent poetry press based in Seattle, Washington, dedicated to publishing the best in contemporary poetry, poetry in translation, and writing by poets. The press was founded in 2005, merging with established publisher Verse Press. By publishing strong innovative work in finely crafted trade editions and hand-made ephemera, we hope to continue to challenge the values and practices of readers and add to the collective sense of what’s possible in contemporary poetry.

I often ask myself, who am I? I'm a brother, I'm a friend, I’m somebodies’ child but I’m an adult. I've been high and I've been low, I’ve seen a lot but nowhere near enough. I’m the victim and the victor, the beauty in the beast and the uglier side of me. I mastered words but still don’t know how to use the power for good. I’ve looked everywhere to find out just who I am and I’m still searching for the man in the mirror. The search will never end but once I find myself, I lose all reason to be who I am, a writer.

Ren Powell - Writer & Teaching Artist interviews writers on how their work with poetry influences the choices they make in their daily lives.

The Academy of American Poets is the largest membership-based nonprofit organization fostering an appreciation for contemporary poetry and supporting American poets. For over three generations, the Academy has connected millions of people to great poetry through programs such as National Poetry Month, the largest literary celebration in the world; Poets.org, the Academy’s popular website; American Poet, a biannual literary journal; and an annual series of poetry readings and special events. Since its founding, the Academy has awarded more money to poets than any other organization.

A 2025 City of Chicago Individual Artists Program awardee, Brian Citro’s been playing and writing music on the guitar for 30 years. He studied with Fareed Haque and is a longtime member of The Drastics. He’s performed and toured with JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound, Ted Sirota’s Heavyweight Dub!, Ackah Blay in Ghana, and many others. Brian’s jazz quartet features Nick Mazzarella, Quin Kirchner, and Matt Ulery, and he co-leads The Hey Lows with multi-instrumentalist Lance Loiselle. Other projects include short video works with award-winning poet (and his uncle) Christopher Citro. Brian is also a human rights lawyer. He’s lived, worked, and played music in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.

Christopher Citro is following