Instructions Between Takeoff and Landing: Akron in Poetry

Poetry is a medium that allows words to transcend their literal meaning and conveys emotions, experiences, and stories in a unique and artistic way. When it comes to capturing the essence of a place, poets have an exceptional ability to paint vivid pictures with their words. Akron, a city in Ohio, has long been a source of inspiration for poets, offering a rich tapestry of life, history, and natural beauty.

From the industrial landscapes to the serene Cuyahoga Valley, Akron provides a diverse range of experiences, each with its own story to tell. Through the lens of poetry, we are invited to explore the hidden corners of this city, its unique character, and its people.

One poet who beautifully encapsulated the spirit of Akron in their work is Rita Dove. Dove, a former U.S. Poet Laureate, was born and raised in Akron. Her collection of poems titled "Thomas and Beulah" won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1987. The book tells the story of her grandparents, who lived in Akron, and their journey of love and struggle.

Instructions betweenTakeoff and Landing (Akron Series in Poetry)

by Charles Jensen(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2022 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	115 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Dove's poems transport the reader to the heart of Akron, depicting scenes from everyday life and infusing them with profound meaning. She invites us to witness the struggles of a city built on industry and the resilience of its people. Through her masterful use of language, Dove immerses us in the sights, sounds, and emotions of Akron.

In addition to Rita Dove, there are many other poets who have found inspiration in Akron. These poets, both past and present, have crafted lines that offer glimpses into the city's soul. Through their words, we can see the vibrant streets, the bustling markets, and the triumphs and tribulations of its inhabitants.

But why is poetry such a powerful medium for capturing the essence of a place like Akron? The answer lies in its ability to evoke emotions and transcend the limitations of prose. Poetry allows for the compression of language, condensing layers of meaning into a few carefully chosen words. It captures the essence of a place, distilling its spirit and energy into a concentrated form.

Through poetry, we can experience Akron in a way that goes beyond mere description. It allows us to connect with the city on a deeper level and uncover its hidden gems. It brings to life the nuances and subtleties that make Akron unique, revealing a world that may otherwise go unnoticed.

Whether it's a haiku capturing the tranquility of the Cuyahoga River or a sonnet celebrating the vibrancy of Akron's art scene, poetry offers a window into the soul of the city. It takes us on a journey through its past, present, and future, guiding us through its landscapes, neighborhoods, and the hearts of its inhabitants.

So next time you find yourself in Akron, take a moment to discover the poetry that lies within its streets. Visit local bookstores, libraries, and cafes to explore the works of local poets. Allow their words to guide you through the city, to help you see it in a new light.

Akron in poetry is not just an abstract concept; it is a tangible, living, breathing embodiment of the city's essence. It connects us to the experiences of those who came before us and amplifies our own connection to the place we call home.

So let yourself be swept away by the power of poetry and let Akron reveal itself to you in all its raw and unfiltered beauty.

Instructions betweenTakeoff and Landing (Akron Series in Poetry)

by Charles Jensen(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2022 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	115 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The poems in Instructions between Takeoff and Landing take place in the middle of myriad journeys: tracking the twin Voyager satellites as they vanish into the unknown, reckoning with a troubling national history, looking back at life lived and forward to the life yet to come. Speakers meditate on the death of loved ones and their own mortality, relationships bent and broken, misleading histories at odds with personal stories, faith and doubt, a ubiquitous media culture, and their own origins and hoped-for destinations. Weaving deft transitions in tone from tender to bombastic, apologetic to brash, and humorous to elegiac, this collection asserts the ways in which even now, we strive to contain Whitmanic multitudes within the constantly shifting borders of self. Poems hover in the liminal space between traditional and innovative form, locating there a way to entice the reader to enter while pushing the boundaries of what poetry can do. Amid this collection's formal inventions, poems offer a sustained reading comprehension exam that both encapsulates and interrogates the speaker, the culture, and even the reader. In the context of a nation hinging on the axes of justice, freedom, self-expression, and tragedy, the voices in these poems reflect on how they both shape and are shaped by the invisible forces and inescapable influences that surround us.