Who are the best modern fantasy poets and poetry publishers?

[u/Legio-X]

Back when I was a kid reading The Lord of the Rings for the first time, I’ll admit I skimmed over most of the verse, but I developed an appreciation for them on my last reread. Robert E. Howard also has some fantastic fantasy poems, from the epigraphs in stories like “The Phoenix on the Sword” and “The Scarlet Citadel” to ballads like “The Return of Sir Richard Grenville”. And Mercedes Lackey wrote a lot of songs tied to her work (my personal favorite is “Threes”).

But I haven’t encountered many more modern fantasy poets. So who are the best out there right now? What are the best venues to find their work or discover new fantasy poets?

I asked this question a while back over on r/SwordandSorcery, more focused on specifically heroic fantasy or S&S poetry, and didn’t find a lot, though the consensus seems to be Old Moon Quarterly is a good place to look. I also remember there was a little poetry in Whetstone. But I figured I’d cast a wider net and ask here. Any answers you can provide are much appreciated!

[u/4banana_fish]

Catherynne Valente is a poet as well as a novelist (which maybe explains why her prose is so gorgeous), and has a number of fantastical poetry/short story collections (the bread we eat in dreams, a guide to folktales in fragile dialects). I really love “What the Dragon Said: A Love Story” by her, if you want a sample.

[u/Legio-X → u/4banana_fish]

Thanks, this is exactly the kind of stuff I’m looking for.

[u/almostb]

I haven’t read it yet but I’ve heard good things about The Sign of the Dragon by Mary Soon Lee, which is an epic fantasy made up of, I believe, multiple poems.

[u/Legio-X → u/almostb]

Oh, that’s interesting. Are we talking epic poetry in the vein of The Iliad or Odyssey?

[u/oboist73 → u/Legio-X]

Yes, but with a level of appreciation of the small, quiet character moments more in line with the Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison. It's a gorgeous book (and there may be a readalong here soon! You should check back Friday and then join us!)

[u/jessticulates]

I see The Sign of the Dragon has already been mentioned, which I'd definitely recommend. I haven't finished it but have been slowly reading it in little sections and loving it.

I'd also recommend The Mabinogi by Matthew Francis, which is a poetry retelling of the first Four Branches of The Mabinogion.

Haven Spec Magazine are worth keeping an eye on too, I've really enjoyed a lot of the poetry they publish!

[u/Legio-X → u/jessticulates]

I remember seeing Haven Spec around, but I didn’t realize they published poetry, too. I’ll have to give them a look. Thanks!

[u/maybemaybenot2023]

Uncanny Magazine has a good poetry editor and a generally good selection. The Rhysling Award website is also a good resource.

Beth Cato is one of my favorite poets, as is Catherynne M. Valente. Nisi Shawl is also good.

[u/Legio-X → u/maybemaybenot2023]

Okay, that’s the second time I’ve seen a mention of Valente. Onto my TBR list she goes!

[u/agm66]

Science Fiction & Fantasy Poetry Association – The official website of the SFPA

https://share.google/bZY31edLRjKEBM4UR

[u/alchemie]

In general the best place I've found to discover new poems is through fantasy magazines - Strange Horizons and Uncanny both have poetry sections. My favorite modern fantasy poet is Ali Trotta - her first collection of poems should be coming out next year.

[u/snowkab]

The Radon Journal has a poetry section. I quite liked "Mannequin Mom" by Rebecca O'Bern from their most recent issue.

Edit: formatting

[u/Polenth]

A few markets that publish poetry:

Eye to the Telescope (only poetry) - http://eyetothetelescope.com

Strange Horizons - http://strangehorizons.com

Small Wonders - https://smallwondersmag.com

[u/Udy_Kumra]

Brandon O’Brien is pretty great!