These penetrating conversations with poets explore not only the landscape of contemporary poetry but the aesthetic, political, and spiritual textures of America and the world as expressed in language. This varied gathering ranges from a former United States Poet Laureate and winners of many of America's most prestigious literary prizes to lesser-known yet equally accomplished writers. Among the 20 participating poets are Robert Hass, Linda Bierds, Ed Hirsch, Dorianne Laux, Yusef Komunyakaa, Gillian Conoley, Li-Young Lee, Lucia Perillo, Robert Wrigley, Dave Smith, and David St. John. Interesting and compelling, these voices offers a stimulating, informative, and profoundly moving poet's-eye-view of contemporary art and life.