Welcome to Sunday Poetry. If this is your first visit you can read about the purpose and inspiration of my Sunday poetry blogs here.

I’m in the midst of moving, but I couldn’t let this occasion go unmarked.  Natasha Trethewey was just named the 19th U.S. poet laureate by the Library of Congress, and I wanted to feature her today. Not only did I find a powerful poem to share, but you will hear her read Monument at this link.  She was born in Gulfport, Mississippi in 1966, and has accrued many honors, including a Pulitzer Prize for Poetry.

Remember, we read poetry together here for the pure pleasure of the experience. There are no quizzes, no right ways to read or contemplate the poem we share. Absolutely no dissecting allowed. Just come along for the “read.” What line, word or thought will you carry with you this week? If you’d like to tell us where the poem took you? We’ll listen.