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Flyover Country Poems: Uncovering the Hidden Gems of American Poetry

Eugene Scott

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

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In the vast expanse of the American literary landscape, there lies a region often overlooked yet brimming with poetic treasures: the Midwest. 'Flyover Country Poems,' a captivating anthology from Princeton University Press, invites readers to embark on a literary journey through this often-underrated heartland, uncovering the hidden voices and evocative landscapes that define the Midwest experience.

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

As the title suggests, 'Flyover Country Poems' challenges the notion that the Midwest is merely a region to be traversed, a flyover zone on the way to more glamorous destinations. Through the eyes of renowned contemporary poets such as Ross Gay, Kevin Prufer, and Allison Joseph, this anthology unveils the subtle beauty and complexities of America's heartland.

In "The Book of the Dead," Ross Gay writes:

In the Midwest, everything is a field
until it is not.
You could lie down in a field
and no one would know.
And then, suddenly, a road.
Or a town.

Gay's words capture the vastness and anonymity of the Midwestern landscape, yet also hint at hidden depths and unexpected discoveries. This sense of hidden beauty permeates the anthology, as poets uncover the overlooked wonders of the region.

In "Prairie Nocturne," Kevin Prufer explores the nocturnal life of the prairie:

The land is a beast
breathing beneath the moon.
Stars hang like fireflies
in the tallgrass.
Crickets sing their endless song
a lullaby for the night.

Prufer's poem transforms the prairie into a living, breathing entity, its nocturnal beauty rivaling the most vibrant landscapes. The result is a celebration of the hidden wonders that often go unnoticed in the rush of modern life.

Beyond the landscapes, 'Flyover Country Poems' also gives voice to the people of the Midwest. In "Elegy for the Midwest," Allison Joseph writes:

We are the forgotten ones,
the ones who stayed behind,
the ones who never left.
We are the ones who work the land,
who raise the children,
who build the communities.

Joseph's poem speaks to the resilience and spirit of Midwesterners, their pride in their communities, and their determination to define their own identity, free from external labels.

Throughout 'Flyover Country Poems,' the poets grapple with the complexities of Midwestern life, exploring themes of isolation, loss, and longing, alongside moments of joy, connection, and celebration. The result is a multifaceted tapestry that captures the essence of a region often misunderstood and overlooked.

As an anthology, 'Flyover Country Poems' is a testament to the power of poetry to reveal the hidden beauty and human experience within any landscape. It is a compelling invitation to reconsider our preconceived notions about the Midwest and to rediscover the overlooked treasures that lie within.

Whether you are a lifelong Midwesterner, a newcomer to the region, or simply a lover of great poetry, 'Flyover Country Poems' offers a captivating and thought-provoking journey through the heart of America. Experience the evocative landscapes, hear the voices of the people, and discover the hidden gems of American poetry.

Free Download your copy of 'Flyover Country Poems' today:

Flyover Country Poems: Princeton Of Contemporary Poets 147 By Editors Neal Bowers And Amy Fleury Flyover Country: Poems (Princeton Of Contemporary Poets 147)