Category: Detroit Mercy

  • Inspired by Myth: A Review of Donika Kelly’s Triptych Virtual Visiting Author Series Event

    by Kristin Murphy (’23) I am beyond grateful to know that a space exists where my mind can be captivated and relaxed at the same time. This space is Triptych, the University of Detroit Mercy’s virtual visiting author series. The Triptych series began when I was a senior at Detroit Mercy, but it has remained…

  • Painted into the Picture: A Review of Tracy K. Smith’s Wade in the Water

    by Deja Spruill (‘24) Slavery is not only extremely relevant to the foundations of American history, but it is also extremely relevant to the social and political structures we see today. The treatment of enslaved African Americans has left so much blood on America’s hands, that it’s dripped into future generations. In Wade in the…

  • No Savior but Love: A Review of Danez Smith’s Homie

    by Siah Pawa (‘26) Danez Smith, a poet from St. Paul, Minnesota who identifies as black, queer, and non-binary, often explores themes of race, gender, and sexuality in their work. Inspired by the loss of a close friend, Smith’s second full-length poetry collection, Homie, is a love letter to friendship—both its good and bad aspects.…

  • So, You Missed Triptych with Srikanth Reddy…

    by Ronan Mansilla (’26) …and I regret to inform you that you missed out on a wonderful evening of poetry and wisdom from the brilliant and multi-faceted Srikanth (“Chicu”) Reddy. Over the course of the hour, the esteemed poet/editor/critic read from his three books of poetry and eloquently answered audience questions. Devastated that you missed…

  • Pushing From Underneath the Veil: A Review of Terrance Hayes’s American Sonnets For My Past And Future Assassin 

    by Lydia Chapman (‘26) The book American Sonnets For My Past And Future Assassin—Terrance Hayes’s fifth poetry collection—embodies the true heart of America. In it, the poet tackles America’s deep-set, rich history that is often untold yet seeps into the surface of today. American Sonnets For My Past And Future Assassin (Penguin Books, 2018) Hayes speaks…

  • For a School That Cares

    by Mona Alawie For what are you grateful? This question is often lightheartedly tossed around a dining table filled with an excessive amount of food—each dish taking up space until the weathered wood is no longer visible. There are common answers like food and a roof over our heads (things to be more than grateful…

  • Student Film-Poem: Poetry in Picture

    Artist Statement: The inspiration for my short film, Poetry in Picture, began in the Fall 2023 course I was taking, Study of Film (ENL: 2550) taught by Professor Rombes. The class was presented the final exam project early in the semester. We had the option to choose between a short film, movie trailer, or essay.…

  • How the Quiet Girl Was Heard

    The importance of words often goes overlooked because of their unavoidable presence in everyday life. Their tendency to be undervalued is why I view writing as so indispensable. Writing is a physical reminder of all the meaning words can encompass and create.

  • A Multi-Media Venture with Paisley Rekdal

    by Sam Gillmore On Thursday, February 16th, I was honored to join a number of Detroit Mercy students and community members for a poetry reading performed by Paisley Rekdal. As the Chinese-American poet introduced us to her multi-media project about the impact of the transcontinental railroad, I noticed she could not keep the smile off…

  • Adia Palmer–Moving

    Adia Palmer’s poem “Moving” was a submission for the 52nd annual Dudley Randall Poetry Prize at University of Detroit Mercy. We were honored to have her as a member of the English department family.