Facing Pages

Five Black poets read from their new poetry books, whose facing pages unfold in thematic conversation like the verso-recto feedback loop of Dionne Brand’s The Blue Clerk. Featuring returning Chicago natives Taylor Byas (, Soft Skull Press) and Bryan Byrdlong (, YesYes Books), alongside visiting poets jason crawford (, University of Chicago Press) and Shaneika McIntosh (, Eureka! Press) and Chicago poet Keith S. Wilson (, Milkweed Editions). 

This event is part of the Poetry Foundation’s fall 2025 season, Facing Life.

Additional Information

• All Poetry Foundation events are completely free of charge and open to the public.
• Advanced registration is encouraged.
• The performance space is ADA-compliant and wheelchair-accessible.
• The program will feature CART captioning and ASL interpretation.
• For more information about accessibility at the Poetry Foundation, please visit our Accessibility Guide.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Poetry Foundation, 61 West Superior Street, Chicago, United States