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ABOUT KAVEH AKBAR
Kaveh Akbar, an Iranian-American poet and scholar, has penned two poetry collections, Pilgrim Bell and Calling a Wolf a Wolf, authored a debut chapbook, Portrait of the Alcoholic, and curated The Penguin Book of Spiritual Verse. He founded Divedapper, a poetry interview website, and serves as The Nation’s poetry editor. He teaches at the University of Iowa and in low-residency programs at Randolph College and Warren Wilson College. His hyper-sensory, ultra-speedy poems probe themes from addiction, recovery, and spirituality to family, religion, and politics. He employs fragmented syntax, repetition, and imagery to craft intimate and expansive poems. His influences span Muslim prayers, the Farsi language, contemporary American poets such as Patricia Smith and Ocean Vuong, and spiritual poets from various traditions such as Rumi, Hafez, Kabir, and Dickinson.
ABOUT THE KAVEH AKBAR LIVING POET PROJECT
ABOUT ME
Imagine reading a stunning poem from Kaveh Akbar, one of the most influential contemporary poets. You are spellbound by his stunning language, his vivid images, his profound themes. You feel his words touch your soul, inviting you to enter his world. You wonder: How does he weave such magic with his words?
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That’s the question that inspired me to create the Kaveh Akbar Living Poet Project, a website that celebrates his poetry. In my posts, I share my thoughts and insights on his poems and invite you to join the conversation. I hope to deepen your appreciation for his poetry and awaken your poetic sensibility.
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If you are ready to embark on this poetic journey with me, please visit my website and subscribe to the blog. You can also find more information about Kaveh Akbar and his poetry on his official website and his Instagram account. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover the beauty and wisdom of one of the most remarkable poets of our time.
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To Kaveh Akbar:
Word master, light weaver
Truth seeker, God lover
Poet, teacher, friend
Inspire us to no end
I am Amir, a current senior student at Thomas Jefferson High School. Poetry has been a cherished companion of mine since childhood, but it was only in the last stretch of my primary schooling that I discovered the true depth of this love, thanks to the extraordinary work of Kaveh Akbar. His poems resonated with me profoundly, as they explored the intricate and intriguing themes of faith, identity, culture, and love. His language was rich and expressive, his imagery was vivid and enchanting, his voice was authentic and persuasive. I admire Mr. Akbar immensely for his skillful command of the poetic craft and his courage in revealing his truth. He is an inspiration and a guide, and I hope to follow his path and emulate his accomplishments as a poet and a teacher.
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"There are no good kings. / Only beautiful palaces."