The Best American Poetry 2023

This year's anthology, curated by Elaine Equi, delivers a vital cross-section of contemporary American verse, showcasing the diverse styles and urgent voices defining the current poetic landscape. The collection is more than a mere compilation; it functions as a curated literary yearbook, offering readers a guided tour through the year's most resonant work from established names and electrifying newcomers alike. The inclusion of poet commentaries provides a crucial backstage pass, transforming the reading experience from passive observation into an active dialogue with the creative process.

What distinguishes this volume is its cohesive yet eclectic energy, a testament to Equi's sharp editorial eye for poems that are both intellectually rigorous and emotionally immediate. Readers seeking to understand the pulse of modern poetry will find an indispensable resource here, one that captures the anxieties, joys, and complexities of our moment with startling clarity. The final impression is not just of a collection of individual poems, but of a vibrant, collective conversation that will linger long after the last page is turned.