The Academy of American Poets is the largest membership-based nonprofit organization fostering an appreciation for contemporary poetry and supporting American poets. For over three generations, the Academy has connected millions of people to great poetry through programs such as National Poetry Month, the largest literary celebration in the world; Poets.org, the Academy’s popular website; American Poets, a biannual literary journal; and an annual series of poetry readings and special events. Since its founding, the Academy has awarded more money to poets than any other organization.
Samiya Bashir is the author of three collections of poetry including Field Theories (Nightboat Books, 2017). She teaches at Reed College and lives in Portland, Oregon.
Everyone up here called me crazy but I couldn’t do nothing but what seemed right. Crazy to fight—maybe—maybe crazy enough to win. Every day I crouch down
into that bend I know I might not creep out again. Tunnels eat men like penance— like payment for letting us through I knew
Like love: first you pick up; then you lay down; then discard; then discard; then discard. That’s love. Right? Did somebody say Dominoes? The problem of a street game is you. You’re already doing it wrong. Doing it wrong before you wake up. Before you walk up the street. Cross the crowded corner. Case in point: