Perhaps you’ve already heard, but there was poetry in the White House last night. The Obamas hosted a poetry slam, which, in addition to poets, also featured readings by distinctive-voiced celebrities including James Earl Jones. Interesting fact about slam poetry: its early days can be traced to the Obamas former hometown, Chicago.

Here in Nebraska, one notable poet has also received some attention lately. William Kloefkorn’s new memoir, Breathing in the Fullness of Time, was reviewed in the Lincoln Journal Star on Friday. Reviewer Charles Stephen described Kloefkorn’s writing as “pure joy.” Other nice words appear here.