2 Brigit Pegeen Kelly Poems

Brigit Pegeen Kelly, born in Palo Alto in 1951, was a profound American poet renowned for her vivid and emotionally complex poems. Celebrated for titles like “To the Place of Trumpets” and “The Orchard,” Kelly’s work uniquely bridged the realms of nature, myth, and human introspection.

Across her distinguished career, Kelly received accolades such as the Yale Younger Poets Prize and the Whiting Writers Award. As an influential English Professor at the University of Illinois, her teachings and “Brigit Pegeen Kelly poems” continue to inspire generations, leaving an indelible mark on contemporary American poetry.

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Song

In ‘Song’ by Brigit Pegeen Kelly, a severed goat’s head’s eerie song hauntingly explores themes of cruelty, innocence, and memory.

This poem by Brigit Pegeen Kelly is a representative example of her poetry. Her works often delve into themes of cruelty, innocence, memory, and the supernatural. Kelly's poems are known for their vivid imagery, haunting narratives, and the juxtaposition of dark and tender elements. 'Song' encapsulates these qualities, showcasing her ability to create emotionally resonant and thought-provoking poetry. Her exploration of the enduring impact of past actions and the bittersweet beauty within darkness is a characteristic theme in her body of work.

Listen: there was a goat’s head hanging by ropes in a tree.

All night it hung there and sang. And those who heard it

Felt a hurt in their hearts and thought they were hearing

The song of a night bird. They sat up in their beds, and then

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Imagining Their Own Hymns

‘Imagining Their Own Hymns’ by Brigit Pegeen Kelly is a memorable poem that speaks about the difference between how something appears and its reality.

Brigit Pegeen Kelly was an American poet known for her evocative and deeply introspective poetry. Her work often explores complex themes such as identity, nature, and the human spirit through vivid imagery and emotional depth. Kelly's poetry has received several accolades, including nominations for the National Book Award, showcasing her significance in contemporary American literature.

What fools they are to believe the angels

in this window are in ecstasy. They

do not smile. Their eyes are rolled back in annoyance

not in bliss, as my mother’s eyes roll back

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