David Rivard Poetry

David Rivard, born in Fall River, Massachusetts, is an acclaimed poet known for his vivid verses capturing working-class life and its complexities. With awards like the James Laughlin and PEN/New England Prize, his poignant works explore themes from childhood to hardship. He teaches at the University of New Hampshire.

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Fall River

In ‘Fall River,’ David Rivard explores the silent complexities of family bonds and the lasting impact of unspoken emotions.

'Fall River' encapsulates recurring themes in his work, such as memory, family, complex emotions, vivid imagery, and an experimental free-form structure. The poem's exploration of identity and place aligns with his typical themes. However, to fully grasp his unique voice, one should explore a broader range of Rivard's poetry.

When I wake now it’s below ocherous, saw-ridged

pine beams. Haze streaks all three windows. I look up

at the dog-eared, glossy magazine photo

I’ve taken with me for years. It gets tacked

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