The New Criterion has always taken a keen interest in
contemporary poetry. We have published scores of essays
on the work of contemporary poets and, since the spring of 1984,
have published new poems or translations of poems in every issue.
It is our judgment that the art of poetry
is enjoying a vibrant renaissance. It seemed
an opportune moment, then, to commemorate the life of
contemporary verse. We asked David Yezzi, a former associate editor of
The New Criterion and now the director of the Unterberg Poetry
Center at the 92nd Street Y in New York, to edit a special
section on poetry. He has put together a splendid selection of
essays and
poems for this issue. There is much to
lament in contemporary culture. Mr. Yezzi reminds us that, in the
world of poetry, at least, there is also much to celebrate.
