LAR’s 2010 Pushcart Nominations: Poetry

Finally, our Pushcart picks in poetry. Poetry Editors Tanya Chernov and Kelly Davio say: “as we looked back over our past two issues, we were reminded at the embarrassment of riches we’ve been presented with this year. Each time we thought we’d selected our final two poems, we recalled yet another fine piece that demanded our attention. In the end, we chose two unforgettable pieces:

JD Smith’s “Four Fires” (LAR Issue 7, Spring 2010). In this poem, Smith’s voice is understated, but powerful. He doesn’t lean on pyrotechnics of language, but instead relies on exquisite craftsmanship to render a piece that’s haunting, evocative, and humane.

Andrew Allport’s “Purgatorio” (LAR Issue 8, Fall 2010). In his piece, Allport gives us the memory of form and the Western tradition while at the same time opening new, surprising, and frightening ground in a rich, articulate voice.

Issues 7 and 8 are available for purchase here.