What is poetry for?

“Poetry is words on a page nibbling at the edge of something vast.”

–Nebraska’s less-well-known poet laureate, William Kloefkorn

(Suggested by Susan J. Tweit)

Biography

William Kloefkorn was named Nebraska Poet Laureate in 1982 and held that distinction for more than a decade. Often called “the Garrison Keillor of contemporary American poetry,” Kloefkorn’s poetry collections include Alvin Turner As Farmer, Platte Valley Homestead and Drinking the Tin Cup Dry. He has published two short story collections and two memoirs, This Death by Drowning and Restoring the Burnt Child. Kloefkorn’s writing frequently celebrates rural life and the Plains landscape.