Matt Ladd, Matt Ladd, Matt Ladd

Congrats also to Matt Ladd (2002), whose three gorgeous poems appear in the luminously redesigned West Branch: I just read "A Difficult Knowledge of California" to my intro students on Monday (I've stolen Jeff Hardin's engaging practice of reading a poem a day to all my classes) and they loved it. Their favorite line: "Las Vegas is still / popping its glamorous jaw."

Look for the new WB at fine bookstores (or a Barnes & Noble) near you; the new issue is just out.