Issue 10: “Shell, lung, heart, trail”
A new (collaborative!) poem, an upcoming reading, a must-see doc, and some (stellar!) poetry recommendations.
Hello, wonderful Strawberries—
I hope this week is giving you everything you need and nothing you don’t. If you’re seeking a little bit more love or light or resilience or patience, I’ll be sending some your way.
With that, let’s jump in.
1. Poetry: “Just This List” (New poem!)
I published this magical little mystery of a piece in Cobra Milk, in collaboration with my dear friend, the supremely talented and generally incomparable Cee Chávez.
This was the first time either of us had written a collaborative poem, and we emerged with something mystical and intimate, about life, legacies, and our shared affection for the daddy long legs who live in our respective apartments.
Oh! And I’ll be reading this poem at Cobra Milk’s virtual launch party on Tuesday, May 23 at 5:00 pm PT / 8:00 pm ET. Details below – register here!
2. Impact Work: Food, Inc. 2 (Documentary)
In 2009, the groundbreaking Oscar-nominated documentary Food, Inc. uncovered how a handful of multinational corporations control nearly all meat production and agriculture in the US, at enormous cost to our planet, our workforce, and our health.
I worked on the marketing and press notes for Food, Inc. 2, which will be released in October. The focus of the film is still under wraps, but I’ve seen it (a few times!) and it’s must-watch stuff. More details to come, including my interview with Michael Pollan, a producer on the film, who you might know from The Omnivore’s Dilemma, How To Change Your Mind, and This Is Your Mind On Plants.
3. Recommendation(s): Some stellar poetry books
I’ve been doing lots of promotion for my chapbook (which you can still buy!), and I’d love to take a sec to promote other books of poetry, and promote the folks who put them on my radar in the first place. If you’re looking to delve deeper into the poetry world, might I recommend:
Promises of Gold by José Olivarez (shoutouts to my older sister, Jess): There’s a reason this collection is seemingly ubiquitous in bookstores and friends’ shelves – these poems leave nothing to the imagination: they’re all heart and truth and pure beauty. My favorite book of the year thus far.
Beauty Was The Case That They Gave Me by Mark Leidner (shoutouts to my younger sister, Mallory): Incredibly funny and imaginative and incisive – the book that has most profoundly impacted my own writing.
The Carrying by Ada Limón (shoutouts to my dear friend Kate): One of many brilliant collections by the former US Poet Laureate. Don’t be fooled by the apparent quiet and stillness of many of these poems; below the surface, a vortex of power and beauty and deep emotion.
That’s all!
With love and thanks and strawberries and more love and thanks,
Ben