Reading for Schaffert's new bestselling novel is April 23
April 22, 2024
"Kwame Dawes is one of the most consistently thrilling poets at work today. Not only is he prolific but the level of excellence he has maintained over the course of his long career as a poet, editor, educator and tastemaker is impressive. What's gratifying about Dawes' achievements is the graciousness and generosity of spirit that underscores all his work whether he is championing younger poets, editing the prestigious literary magazine Prairie Schooner or praising the joy-inducing "riddims" of reggae music. With Dawes' gorgeous poetry there is a sense of celebration and undiluted pleasure, a feeling that everyone is welcome to the party. When I ask him whether the business of writing poetry calls for solitude and introspection, he corrects me in a succinct and elegant manner: 'If poetry demands solitude and introspection, then I am in trouble.'"
