Susan B. A. Somers-Willett

Biography

Susan B. A. Somers-Willett is the author of two books of poetry, Quiver and Roam, and a book of criticism, The Cultural Politics of Slam Poetry: Race, Identity, and the Performance of Popular Verse in America. Her honors include the Ann Stanford Poetry Prize and the Robert Frost Foundation Poetry Award. Raised in New Orleans, she teaches English and Creative Writing at Montclair State University in New Jersey.

http://www.susansw.com/

See Work

POETRY / Fall 2009

Women of Troy

By Susan B. A. Somers-Willett ,  Photography by Brenda Ann Kenneally

In Women of Troy, poet Susan Somers-Willett and photographer Brenda Ann Kenneally look at the lives of young, working-class women in Troy, New York.
POETRY / Fall 2009

In the Office of Temporary Assistance

By Susan B. A. Somers-Willett ,  Photography by Brenda Ann Kenneally

Did you know? You have the right to receive food stamps within a few days if you are eligible and have little or no money. Do any of these apply to you?

POETRY / Fall 2009

Just a Girl

By Susan B. A. Somers-Willett ,  Photography by Brenda Ann Kenneally
POETRY / Fall 2009

The Cutting Place

By Susan B. A. Somers-Willett ,  Photography by Brenda Ann Kenneally

She’s always been a tomboy, Mama Vic says, Mouthy.
Runnin’ the roads. Not comin’ home, and as she speaks

CRITICISM / Fall 2009

Advice for the Penny Bride in Times of Economic Crisis

By Susan B. A. Somers-Willett ,  Photography by Brenda Ann Kenneally

On her wedding day, a bride should slip a good penny into her shoe
to ensure luck and wealth during the life of her marriage.

POETRY / Fall 2009

Women of Troy

By Susan B. A. Somers-Willett

You are the country at war and the city ablaze.
You are the flags lining Fourth Street and the singer

CRITICISM / Fall 2009

A Call to Arms

By Susan B. A. Somers-Willett ,  Photography by Brenda Ann Kenneally

Don’t make the mistake of calling her
angel or saint. The tremendous broad crowning
Troy’s war monument grips her sword

POETRY / Spring 2006

My Natural History

By Susan B. A. Somers-Willett
POETRY / Spring 2006

First Sex

By Susan B. A. Somers-Willett
POETRY / Spring 2006

Darwin Strikes a Match

By Susan B. A. Somers-Willett