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Archive: April 2020 (14 Posts)

The word

Gwendolyn Brooks: “We Real Cool,” Two Ways

Posted by: Anne Holmes

The Library has just added a 1961 recording of Gwendolyn Brooks reading her poems, including "We Real Cool," as part of its annual release of 50 newly streaming recordings to the online Archive of Recorded Poetry and Literature. This recording came 24 years before Brooks was appointed Consultant in Poetry and read the poem—which had since become iconic—during her inaugural event.

The word

Truth and Beauty: Natasha Trethewey

Posted by: Anne Holmes

As many people shelter in place during this pandemic, and face fears and personal losses, it is a good time to think about the transcendence and respite that poetry can offer. Library of Congress Manuscript Division curator Barbara Bair explores how former U.S. Poet Laureate Natasha Trethewey's work does just that.