Today's poem:

The Mestrovic Chapel at Cavtat
- by Harriet Monroe.

#cavtat #poetry #HarrietMonroe #chapel #mausoleum

Today's poem:

With a Copy of Shelley
- by Harriet Monroe

https://www.tumblr.com/ukdamo/772640236874383360/with-a-copy-of-shelley?source=share

#poetry #HarrietMonroe #truth #mysticism #insight #zeal #inspiration #shelley #rapture

This morning I received an e-mail noting the passing of Harriet Monroe on this day of September 26, 1936. Who was Harriet Monroe, I wondered? With that question, I felt the ground shake and a rabbit hole suddeningly appeared. As you know, I love rabbit holes for they open me up to unexpected insights and knowledge that enrich my understanding of the world. With Harriet Monroe’s name in my mind, I jumped in with both feet.

A Farewell

by Harriet Monroe

GOOD-BY: nay, do not grieve that it is over—
  The perfect hour;
That the winged joy, sweet honey-loving rover,
  Flits from the flower.

Grieve not,—it is the law. Love will be flying—         
  Yea, love and all.
Glad was the living; blessed be the dying!
  Let the leaves fall.

Harriet Monroe (1860-1936) was a poet, editor, scholar, literary critic, and a generous patron of the arts, most notably recognized for founding the literary journal Poetry: A Magazine of Verse in 1912. Monroe’s meticulous and thoughtful approach to editing became her hallmark; she championed an “Open Door” policy, emphasizing that art and integrity were paramount, even above her own preferences and the biases of influential peers and competing publications.

Under Monroe’s leadership, Poetry emerged as a prestigious and influential publication, navigating challenges such as a world war and the Great Depression during her editorial tenure. Harriet Monroe’s keen eye for lasting quality enabled her to sidestep the allure of fleeting literary trends and the comfort of traditional poetic forms.

In her later years, she undertook extensive travels that were dedicated to the promotion of literature and the enhancement of global literary culture. She excelled in her role as editor of the Poetry magazine until she died in Arequipa, Peru on September 26, 1936, at age 75. She was on her way to climb Machu Picchu, and the high altitudes reportedly triggered a cerebral hemorrhage, which caused her death.

Harriet Monroe’s legacy is firmly imprinted on the literary landscape, reflecting her unwavering commitment to the arts. Her work allows poetry to thrive in our lives today, ensuring that the voices of countless poets continue to resonate.

Monroe’s pioneering spirit and dedication to nurturing poetic voices have undoubtedly opened doors for poets of today, allowing them to explore and express their creativity in an ever-evolving literary landscape. Her legacy lives on in the diverse array of contemporary poetic forms that have emerged, including spoken word, slam poetry, and digital poetry. These new avenues not only challenge traditional structures but also amplify the voices of marginalized communities and foster innovative modes of expression. Thanks to Harriet Monroe’s foundational work, the world of poetry continues to thrive, inviting all to participate in its vibrant and dynamic tapestry.

https://rebeccasreadingroom.ca/2024/09/26/milestone-harriet-monroe/

#HarrietMonroe #Milestone #Poetry #PoetryMagazine #RebeccaSReadingRoom