HomeFeaturesBONJ SeriesNJPAC's Patricia Smith Discusses the Art of Poetry

NJPAC’s Patricia Smith Discusses the Art of Poetry

The rhythms and emotions of truly fervent poetry can evoke a passionate sentiment in even the most hardened, brazen individuals. Poets like Patricia Smith use a centuries-old form of expressive art that, in fact, survives to this very day.

Today, however, we see fewer examples of the metaphysical and Romantic poetry that was highly prevalent over 200 years ago; instead, we find contemporary masterpieces that highlight the “norms” of the modern age.

Even for those with little poetry background, contemporary poetry speaks to the masses; its voice is often loud and true to the world we live in, even when the lines are specific. The lyrical stanzas of one New Jersey poet in particular has the attention of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center; in fact, she is currently a Poet in Residence there.


More From Best of NJ

[bibblio style=”bib–row-3 bib–hover bib–white-label bib–font-arial bib–default bib–size-16 bib–shine” query_string_params=”eyJ1dG1fc291cmNlIjoiQmliYmxpbyIsInV0bV9tZWRpdW0iOiJNb2R1bGUiLCJ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ24iOiJSZWNvbW1lbmRhdGlvbnMifQ==” recommendation_type=”optimised”]


The Art of Poetry

Poet Patricia Smith, originally from Chicago, Illinois, was given the honor of Poet in Residence at NJPAC after participating in a couple of performances at the Geraldine R. Dodge Poetry Festival. Recently, she spoke to Steve Adubato, PhD., about her life and career as a poet.

Poetry appealed to Patricia Smith because, she says, “[Y]ou take huge, unruly stories and you put them into tight, controlled spaces.”

Smith has mastered the art of poetry, crafting lines and phrases that roll off the tongue like a pulsing melody. To hear one of her poems, or to learn more about her career, check out this edition of One-on-One with Steve Adubato.

For more stories that impact New Jersey residents, click over to our Hot Topics in NJ series.


One on One with Steve Adubato

Hero (Top) Feature Image: © leszekglasner / DepositPhotos Inc.

Newsletter Signup Prompt