Learning to Be Everyone and No One by Chard deNiord is a striking collection of candid, illuminating interviews with twelve of today’s most influential poets: Robert Hass, Robert Pinsky, Charles Simic, Ruth Stone, Gerald Stern, Chase Twichell, Major Jackson, Bruce Smith, Ada Limón, Dennis Nurkse, T. R. Hummer, and Halyna Kruk. Through piercing yet conversational dialogue, these literary giants share spontaneous, deeply personal reflections on their craft, careers, and the life experiences. This compelling volume is a vibrant tapestry of voices exploring the enduring power of poetry to confront issues of identity, politics, race, gender, and the environment. With wit, wisdom, and candor, these poets affirm why poetry remains “the news that stays the news.”

Chard deNiord is professor emeritus of English and Creative Writing at Providence College, co-founder of The New England College MFA Program, and was Poet Laureate of Vermont from 2015–2019. He is author of eight books of poetry and two other books of interviews.