Poetry

Low & Leaving

Anastacia-Reneé finds multiple meaning in this poem from Alta's Winter 2020 issue.

Daughter
In one of four poems published in Alta’s Fall 2020 issue, Anastacia-…
“Aunt Jemima is the Picture of the American Dream”
Anastacia-Reneé is a Seattle-based poet, artist, and educator who wa…
“In Case You Forgot, I Am Not Your Negro” 
Anastacia-Reneé, a two-time Pushcart nominee, penned this achingly t…
The Better Angels of His Nature
In Every Day We Get More Illegal, Juan Felipe Herrera doubles down o…
Sep 1, 2020
Summons: A Poem

D.A. Powell's 'Summons' is one of three of his poems to appear in Alta‘s Summer 2020 issue.
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Aug 25, 2020
Bat Boy: A Poem

D.A. Powell, a Bay Area writer and educator, finds poetry in America’s favorite pastime.

Jul 27, 2020
The Anonymous Bard

They were the first poems published in a California newspaper. But who wrote them? An improbable friendship may hold the clue.
Apr 1, 2020
Three Questions with Robert Hass

The poet discusses his home, his inspiration, and his study habits.

Mar 31, 2020
Three Questions for Luis J. Rodriguez

The former poet laureate of Los Angeles comes complete, just as he is.

Mar 31, 2020
Summer Storm in the Sierra

A former poet laureate of the United States shares an excerpt from his Summer Snow: New Poems.
Mar 31, 2020
Bob Kaufman Returns

Collected Poems of Bob Kaufman brings back a neglected literary hero.
Mar 31, 2020
A Poet in Her Element

With the essays in Synthesizing Gravity, Kay Ryan pulls back the covers on her verse.
Mar 23, 2020
Mesmerizing Modern Poetry

These two young poets eschew convention with bold voices—and even bolder prose.

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Mar 17, 2020
Joy Harjo’s Trail of Tears

Joy Harjo reimagines a national narrative in An American Sunrise.
Jan 8, 2020
Talking with Heidi Van Horn

The poet’s book-length work explores our interior lives by mixing words and photographs.
Dec 20, 2019
Alta’s Best Poetry 2019

Works by West Coast poets Katie Peterson, Ishmael Reed, Luis J. Rodriguez, and Tennessee Reed reveal our shared humanity.
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Sep 30, 2019
Father’s Little Dividend

In his new collection of poems, Father’s Day, Matthew Zapruder explores the complications of parenthood…and everything.
Sep 30, 2019
Poetry Picks

Celebrate a poetic change of season with essential works from Jim Harrison, Kim Shuck, and Forrest Gander.

Aug 13, 2019
Make a Poem Cry
Luis J. Rodriguez was poet laureate of Los Angeles from 2014 to 2016. He’s the author of eight books of poetry and the founding editor …