Qualities we appreciate:
Poems that take risks with the unexpected - whether an image that shocks with its strange rightness, or by using fresh language, an unusual subject, unexpected narrative developments or a neat emotional insight. We also value contemporary edge and energy. And poems which reward further readings.
It may sound obvious to most, but it's still worth saying: if your poem is going to rhyme, make it subtle or surprising use of craft, not slavish adherence to formula.
We are particularly excited to publish emerging poets who are carving out strong reputations. We hope that through subscribing to 14, readers will discover poets to listen out for in the future.
Some other thoughts about poetry:
"A theory has even been advanced that fourteen unbroken lines is the human limit of sustainable lyric brilliance" (Don Paterson)
"A poem that does its work must stand on the knife edge of yes and no". (Dorianne Laux).
"Poetry is not a riddle to be solved, but a mystery to be experienced". (Penelope Shuttle).
"There is nothing as dead and damned as an important thing. The things that really matter are casual, insignificant little things, things you would be ashamed to talk about publicly. You are ashamed and then after years someone blabs and you find that you are in the secret majority". (Patrick Kavanagh).
"The poet is like a tuba player in a house on fire." (Tess Gallagher).
