Today is just too hard of a day to think of anything to write or pretend that this country is just and good, so I want to share these powerful poems by Rita Dove, Karisma Price, and Danez Smith.

I am in awe of the artistry and the beauty—as well I should be for a former U.S. poet laureate, but even within that exalted level, there are distinctions. Here is a link to more of Rita Dove’s poetry published online by the American Academy of Poets.

Below is Karisma Price’s breathtaking poem. Here is the poet’s website if you would like to read more.

Below is the poem “not an elegy for Mike Brown” by Danez Smith, also available online by the American Academy of Poets. Please check out the poet reading excerpts from Don’t Call Us Dead.

I do apologize for the disproportionate sizing.