By Natalie Tulloch
Poet H.R. Webster visited the Tropicana Room in the School of Humanities to read and discuss her latest work on Oct. 14. This event marked the fourth installment of the School of Humanities and The Creative Writing Program’s' “Poets @ Work” series.
Webster is an American poet, abolitionist, and instructor who dives into the themes of "punishment, concepts of wilderness, human-animal relationships and the figure of the feral child." In 2022, Webster released her debut collection, “What Follows,” which navigates themes of grief, intimacy and vulnerability.
Webster has received fellowships from the Fine Arts Work Center and the Vermont Studio Center, and her work has appeared in magazines such as Guernica and The Iowa Review.
The lecture started with Webster reading parts from her latest collection, along with excerpts from her past work, including the line: "The air in the barn is thick and loaded; the cobwebs garland light when the doors swing wide. She forgot to wear her mask to keep her busted lungs and the boy's wet breath."

Webster talks about themes in her poetry. (Photo by Natalie Tulloch)
Webster grew up on a homestead, fostering an intimate relationship with animals that shaped her work. She credits her exploration of themes such as inheritance and domesticity to this environment.
Webster said, “I was really interested in thinking about ideas of inheritance and the inheritance of violence, particularly domestic violence. What we do to animals when we domesticate them is not just an individual act; it’s something that is sort of passed along and continued as a form of violence into their lives.”
After the reading, students had the opportunity to ask Webster questions. She delved deeper into her writing and creative process, discussing how she navigates heavy topics in her poetry.

A student holding Webster’s book, “What Follows.” (Photo by Natalie Tulloch)
Webster expressed her passion for working with incarcerated writers, which began during her graduate studies when she contributed to a literary journal publishing work by incarcerated individuals. Her connection to this work stems from having family members who were incarcerated and continues from the deep connections made during her work. "I ended up forming lifelong relationships with some of the writers," she said.
She elaborated on her loyalty to abolitionist principles, which is closely tied to her views on consent and her personal experiences. "My commitment to abolitionist principles draws on my commitment to the politics of consent. There is a lot to say about prisons, but the first step for me becoming an abolitionist was recognizing that prisons violate consent," she explained.
Webster also emphasized how her writing on sexual violence influences her political stance. "As a writer addressing my own experiences with sexual violence in my work, I think abolitionist principles and a radical conceptualization of consent is essential," Webster said.
Webster also reflected on the conflict between her abolitionist beliefs and her work with incarcerated writers. "My belief system as an abolitionist is in tension with my desire to work with incarcerated writers because efforts by organizations like PEN America can profit off incarcerated voices without truly giving back or acknowledging the violence of incarceration," she explained. However, she emphasized the importance of these relationships, noting that they are "mutually sustaining" for both her and the people she works with.
Audience members gave positive feedback on Webster's reading, with some noting the contrast between reading her poetry on the page and hearing it performed live. "When I read poetry, I like to think I read it correctly, but hearing it from the author makes it feel more intimate and vulnerable," said Abby Stinar, a freshman English and creative writing major.

Webster signing a student’s book. (Photo by Natalie Tulloch)
Others appreciated how hearing the author's explanation of her work added to their understanding. Laurisa Roalef, a freshman English major, found the experience enlightening. "Normally, I don't want to know what your poems are about. It should just speak for itself... But at the same time, it is really good insight, especially hearing it from the person who wrote it, and how they chose to read it," she said.
Stinar also remarked on the unique experience of hearing a poem read aloud by its creator. "Everyone reads poetry a little bit differently," said Stiner. "Coming straight from the author, it's more intimate and vulnerable than just reading it on the page."
Webster’s advice for aspiring poets is to read as much as possible, even material they might dislike. "You cannot write without reading; you'll be surprised what sparks a flame," she said.
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