Yusef Komunyakaa, Heather McHugh, Edward Hirsch, Jorie Graham, and Rita Dove Summary

Yusef Komunyakaa was born Josef Brown but took the name of his grandfather, who had come from Trinidad in the early twentieth century. He began writing as a reporter and served in the army in Vietnam, receiving a Bronze Star for his service to his country. He later became a poet and professor. He was influenced by many people and aspects of life, and his subject matter ranges from his childhood in Louisiana to his military service in Vietnam. He is drawn to violence and its aftermath. Discovery through poetry is important to him. The poems included in his section are "Providence," "Camouflaging the Chimera," "Facing It," "Ode to the Maggot," and "Dia de los Muertos."

Heather McHugh has lectured widely and, although...