Author Keith Taylor Spends Day with Students at University of Detroit Mercy

by Dana Lara Acosta

On October 22nd, 2026, Canadian poet Keith Taylor came to the University of Detroit Mercy to read his poems, specifically those from his newest book, What Can the Matter Be? His day-long visit provided an immersive look into this prolific author’s stories, poems, and love for writing.

Before attending the reading, I had the opportunity to hear Keith Taylor speak as a guest in my Intermediate Creative Writing class, taught by Professor Stacy Gnall. There, he shared personal life experiences and read some of his wonderful poems. My favorite was Infant Baptism, which combines both his family’s Mennonite customs and his wife’s Catholic beliefs into one symbolic moment shared between him, his daughter, and a perching snow owl.

Taylor’s afternoon reading was introduced by Professor Stacy Gnall, who is well-versed in poetry and other forms of writing, having earned both her master’s degree and Ph.D. in creative writing. It is safe to say that she recognizes great poetry when she sees it, especially as the author of two books, Dogged and Heart First into the Forest. Taylor then shared several of his poems, including the memorable Infant Baptism, as well as other works that celebrated Detroit and its rich culture. Once again, I was struck by the passion with which he read. During the Q&A portion of the event, he emphasized the joy that a lifetime of being an author has brought him. Taylor’s enthusiasm was very inspiring, especially for those in the crowd who hope to pursue writing as a career.

I learned a lot about writing from Keith Taylor during his campus visit. The way he moves readers through his use of language and storytelling is truly remarkable. Whether writing about his late father-in-law’s experiences of dancing and finding love, or writing about Detroit and its culture, Taylor demonstrates an incredible ability to connect with his audience. When he reads his work aloud, it feels as though you are experiencing the poem right alongside him, and I feel very fortunate to have had that experience during my time with him in class and at his reading.

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