Summary
A recent podcast episode features a deep dive into the latest issue of "Literary Matters," highlighting the contributions of various poets and editors involved in the publication. Hosts Cameron Clark and Matthew Buckley-Smith discuss the intricacies of editing, curating, and the literary landscape, with a focus on the upcoming ALCW conference where they will be presenting a panel titled "Curation, Conversation, and Community: Literature Beyond the Book."
The episode emphasizes the significance of the new issue, which includes a mix of poetry and translations. Notable works discussed include a sequence of sonnets by Maury Creech that explores familial dynamics and mental health, and a poem by J.C. Charles that reflects on themes of decay and nostalgia. The hosts appreciate the formal qualities of the poetry, noting a shift towards more structured forms compared to previous issues, while also acknowledging the presence of younger voices in the literary scene.
Cameron and Matthew also touch on the importance of maintaining a balance between traditional poetic forms and contemporary themes, suggesting that the issue represents a thoughtful evolution in the magazine's aesthetic. They conclude with a call for readers to engage with the new issue and the works within it, celebrating the diversity and depth of modern poetry.
Show Notes
NB: Right, right, right, actually “nights” and “ignites” don’t make a true rhyme but rather an identical rhyme.
SLEERICKETS is a podcast about poetry and other intractable problems.
Make a one-time donation (not tax-deductible) For more SLEERICKETS, subscribe to SECRET SHOW! Leave the show a rating here! SLEERICKETS is now on YouTube! For a frank, anonymous critique on SLEERICKETS, subscribe to the SECRET SHOW and send a poem of no more 32 lines to sleerickets [at] gmail [dot] com
Some of the topics mentioned in this episode:
– Check out Alice’s SLEERICKETS Episode map! – Pre-order the new book of short stories by my wife, Joanna Pearson! – Buy Brian’s book The Optimists! It’s so good! Now give Brian’s book a 5-star review! – My chapbook The Soft Black Stars is out now! – Watch the Think Symposium talks and readings here! – Elijah’s book Against Oblivion is out now! – Cameron’s poem Alternative Autobiography in Poetry London – My conversation with Elijah at the Versecraft substack – LM 19.1 – Tar River Poetry Fall 2026 – M. D. Skeen’s post on The Hotel Barth – The Survivalist (2015)
Frequently mentioned names: – Joshua Mehigan – Shane McCrae – A. E. Stallings – Ryan Wilson – Morri Creech – Austin Allen –Jonathan Farmer – Zara Raab – Amit Majmudar – Ethan McGuire – Coleman Glenn – Chris Childers – Alexis Sears – JP Gritton – Alex Pepple – Ernie Hilbert – Joanna Pearson – MattWall – Steve Knepper – Helena Feder – David Yezzi – Victoria Moul – Katie Dozier & Tim Green – George David Clark – Tristram Fane Saunders – Philip Metres – Helena Feder – Nida Sophasarun – Alex McKeown
Other Ratbag Poetry Pods: Poetry Says by Alice Allan I Hate Matt Wall by Matt Wall Versecraft by Elijah Perseus Blumov Advice from an Unknown Poet by Alice Allan & Jonathan Farmer
Alice: Poetry Says Brian: brianplatzer [at] gmail [dot] com Cameron: Minor Tiresias Matthew: sleerickets [at] gmail [dot] com Music by ETRNL Art by Daniel Alexander Smith
More from SLEERICKETS
SLEERICKETS is a podcast about poetry and other intractable problems.
SLEERICKETS is a podcast about poetry and other intractable problems.
NB: Yes, yes, yes, of course I meant to mention Putin. Putin also, yes.
SLEERICKETS is a podcast about poetry and other intractable problems.
SLEERICKETS is a podcast about poetry and other intractable problems.