On Perusing a Century of Poetry in The New Yorker, 1925–2025, edited by Kevin Young*

These worthy poems are all editors’ selections

From thousands come across the transom.

To tell the truth the composite effect is rather glum.

What a relief to find that Ogden Nash made it in!

But how could they omit the mighty lines of Samuel Hoffenstein,

Who illuminated my childhood in the Great Karoo?

They might at least have included one.

In truth I'd rather have a century of poems

The sainted editors considered but rejected.

You bet your doggone life they'd be much more fun!

*New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2025

Halloween 2025