The Best American Poetry 2025

This year's anthology arrives as a significant milestone, marking series editor David Lehman's final curation after more than three decades of shaping the nation's most influential poetry collection. Guest edited by Terence Winch, this volume continues the series' vital tradition of capturing the contemporary poetic zeitgeist, gathering works that reflect our current moment with precision and power. The poems selected offer a panoramic view of the American poetic landscape, showcasing established voices alongside emerging talents in a dynamic conversation.

What distinguishes this edition is its dual nature as both a celebration of poetic excellence and a poignant farewell, creating a collection that feels both historically significant and vibrantly present. Readers who have followed the series will appreciate this capstone to Lehman's legacy, while new readers will find an accessible entry point into the most compelling verse being written today. The anthology's strength lies in its curated diversity, presenting a range of styles and perspectives that collectively define the state of American poetry. This final installment under Lehman's guidance serves as both a tribute to his enduring vision and a testament to poetry's continuing relevance in our cultural conversation.