From this day on 2012: probably the most popular thing I’ve ever drawn.

These are both incredibly thoughtful, in-depth reviews:

It only has 35 footnotes. Real easy reading. It’s not *quite* sardonic. It’s ultimately a review of a local reading that unfurls into an interrogation of why most poets obviate the aural qualities of poetry from their practices, historicizes composing aloud, and asks questions re: accessibility.

And last little update, given how frequently I’m on here: I won Grain’s Hybrid Experimental Prize, which was published in the summer issue but due to a mistake was missing the second page, so catch it in the fall issue. I also won this year’s Prism Grouse Grind lit contest! Verrry lucky year 4 me 😮‍💨

One of these reviews talks a lot about ambivalence, about “why poetry,” and wrestles with that ever-open question because it has to be wrestled with. The other review might be called ‘decisively negative,’ but I try to keep my aim on better future work, on publishers doing better, and loving genre.

I am very very grateful for Aaron and Amy’s editorial feedback and encouragement with every single piece I bring them. Likely anyone seeing this will understand just how uncommon it is not only to get editorial feedback at all from publishers, nonetheless for it to be both thoughtful and actionable.