Austin Smith: the Poetry of Place

Austin Smith is the author of two collections, Flyover Country (2018) and Almanac (2013), both published by Princeton University Press. He has been awarded a Wallace Stegner Fellowship, a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Amy Lowell Poetry Travelling Scholarship. He is a Jones Lecturer at Stanford University.

## Understanding the Connection: Why Poetry?

Poetry often serves as a window into our emotions, allowing us to express what we feel but cannot articulate. In our conversation with Austin, he articulates the idea that poems are almost like monologues for readers, inviting them to inhabit the poem's world. This immersive experience is what makes poetry so compelling. 

### The Role of Language in Poetry

Austin emphasizes the significance of language in poetry, suggesting that it often achieves a kind of perfection that is harder to find in prose. The brevity of poetry allows for a concentrated expression of thought, where every word matters.

### The Impact of Personal Background

Growing up on a dairy farm in Northwestern Illinois, Austin's roots influence his work. He reflects on how his pastoral upbringing shapes his perspective and informs his poetry. Even as he now lives in San Francisco, the imagery and themes from his Midwestern background continue to resonate in his writing. 

Poetry is more than just words on a page; it’s a powerful medium that connects us to our emotions, experiences, and each other. As we explored with Austin Smith, the art of poetry has the potential to resonate deeply, inviting readers to engage in a dialogue with the text and with themselves.

The poem The Brinkmeiers

The poem Lambs

Austin Smith’s Substack, which features new poetry regularly. 

Austin’s books can be found here and elsewhere: Almanac and Flyover Country.

Evan's website: www.evancarlsonactor.com

Darren's website: www.darrensvoice.com

Our cover art is by Lara Johnson: @lara_johnson_art