Born on this day March 23, 1965, Gary Whitehead, a notable poet and educator, has made a significant impact in fostering a love for literature and poetry through his creative works. Primarily known for his collections Strange What Rises and A Glossary of Chickens, Whitehead has successfully used poetry as a tool to both engage and empower his readers. His work in the literary field serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of poetry.
Strange What Rises reflects Whitehead’s unique ability to weave complex narratives into his work, engaging readers with a blend of intricate metaphors, vivid descriptions, and poignant reflections on the human condition. This collection has not just engaged readers in the beauty of the language but it has also empowered them by revealing new ways to perceive the world around them.
A Glossary of Chickens, on the other hand, demonstrates the poet’s knack for weaving ordinary subjects into extraordinary poetic experiences. The collection uses the seemingly mundane topic of chickens as a metaphor for various aspects of human life, thereby enabling readers to explore deep existential questions in a relatable and accessible manner.
In his dual role as an educator, Whitehead has been instrumental in bringing poetry to life for his students. His unique teaching approach combines his passion for poetry with innovative teaching methods, creating an environment where students are not only taught about the technical aspects of poetry but are also encouraged to explore their own creative voices.
Gary Whitehead’s impactful work in poetry and education has served to empower minds across different walks of life. Through his evocative collections, he has demonstrated that poetry can be an effective tool to encourage critical thinking, foster creativity, and stimulate intellectual curiosity.
One-Legged Pigeon
In a flock on Market,
just below Union Square,
the last to land
and standing a little canted,
it teetered—I want to say now
though it’s hardly true—
like Ahab toward the starboard
and regarded me
with blood-red eyes.
We all lose something,
though that day
I hadn’t lost a thing.
I saw in that imperfect bird
no antipathy, no envy, no vengeance.
It needed no pity,
but just a crumb,
something to hop toward.
-Gary Whitehead
Curated by Jennifer
