• 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.

  • Summer Reading Recs, 2023

    Each summer, the Detroit Mercy English Department offers reading recommendations for the season of rest and relaxation. We hope you find time to curl up, stretch out, and read a stack of good books. Leave your own recommendation in the comments! The Hurting Kind by Ada Limón and Such Color by Tracy K. Smith Prof.…

  • Dudley Randall Poetry Exhibit

    In recognition of National Poetry Month, the University of Detroit Mercy’s English Department has curated an exhibit at the McNichols Campus Library honoring Dudley Randall and the annual poetry prize the department sponsors in his memory. Now in its 53rd year, the Dudley Randall Poetry Prize continues Randall’s legacy of amplifying creative voices within the…

  • Triptych with Adam Giannelli

    By Josh Otten I had the pleasure of attending the most recent Triptych Reading, featuring Adam Giannelli. He opened with a wry smile, making himself known through his beard, lavender striped oxford shirt, and his stutter. He also made sure to mention the spider plant that hung behind him. I’d like to consider it as…