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Flyover Country Poems: A Tapestry of Voices from the American Heartland

Gavin Mitchell

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Published in Flyover Country: Poems (Princeton Of Contemporary Poets 147)

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Flyover Country Poems: A Tapestry of Voices from the American Heartland is a groundbreaking anthology of contemporary poetry that celebrates the often-overlooked region of the United States known as "Flyover Country." This vast and diverse region, which encompasses the Midwest, Great Plains, and Rust Belt, is often dismissed as a cultural wasteland, a place of empty fields and small towns. But as this anthology reveals, Flyover Country is a place of rich history, diverse cultures, and enduring spirit.

Flyover Country: Poems (Princeton of Contemporary Poets 147)

Flyover Country: Poems (Princeton Series of Contemporary Poets Book 147)

by Austin Smith

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2213 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	119 pages

The poems in this collection explore a wide range of topics, from the region's agricultural roots to its industrial heritage, from its immigrant communities to its struggles with race and class. They celebrate the beauty of the land, the resilience of its people, and the power of community. They also confront the challenges that Flyover Country faces, such as economic decline, environmental degradation, and social isolation.

The poets in this anthology come from all walks of life and represent a diverse range of perspectives. They include Pulitzer Prize winners, National Book Award finalists, and emerging voices. Their poems are written in a variety of styles, from traditional to experimental, and they reflect the many different ways of experiencing Flyover Country.

Flyover Country Poems is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the true heart of America. It is a powerful and moving collection that will change the way you think about the American Heartland.

Excerpt from "Flyover Country" by Jane Hirshfield

In this country of wide skies and far horizons,
where the wind has the run of the land,
and the rivers flow like silver threads,
there is a place called Flyover Country.

It is a place that most people only see
from the windows of airplanes,
as they hurry from one coast to the other.
But those who live here know
that Flyover Country is a place of its own,
with its own unique beauty and spirit.

About the Editor

Michael Chitwood is the author of four books of poetry, most recently The World We Make (Seren, 2023). His poems have appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, Poetry, and The Best American Poetry. He is the editor of The Flyover Country Reader and the recipient of a Pushcart Prize and a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship. He teaches at Princeton University.

Reviews

"Flyover Country Poems is a powerful and moving collection that will change the way you think about the American Heartland. These poems are essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the true heart of America." — Tracy K. Smith, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Life on Mars

"Flyover Country Poems is a welcome and necessary addition to the American literary landscape. This anthology celebrates the often-overlooked region of the United States, revealing its rich history, diverse cultures, and enduring spirit." — Kevin Prufer, author of The Finger Bone

"Flyover Country Poems is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the true heart of America. These poems are a powerful and moving testament to the beauty, diversity, and resilience of the American Heartland." — David Baker, author of Swift: New and Selected Poems

Flyover Country: Poems (Princeton Series of Contemporary Poets Book 147)

by Austin Smith

4.4 out of 5