Jesse Nathan Unbound

Jesse Nathan has carved his name into the poetry landscape through a seemingly effortless sense of modern movement inspired by poetry from centuries past.  His work is highly informed and poignant yet presents a sort of warmth that is human and accessible. Jesse’s poems have earned notable attention, appearing in publications like the Paris Review, Yale Review, American Poetry Review, Jubilant, the Nation, FENCE, and many more.  He is also the recipient of fellowships from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, Stanford University, UC Berkley, the Community of Writers, the Kansas State Arts Commission, and the Ashbery Home School. His debut collection of poetry, Eggtooth, is set for publication in the fall of 2023 from Unbound Edition Press. We talk with Jesse about his writerly process, and the ways in which he paints a scene with physicality and relatability.  In this same context, we also dive into his conception of the “you” within his work with his reading of “Straw Refrain” serving as a perfect example. We take a deep dive into his personal background and identity, exploring how spirituality, farming, and queerness shape his writing.  Listeners can also see Jesse’s work at McSweeney’s, where he masterfully conducts and writes a series of interviews called “Short Conversations with Poets.” This is Jesse Nathan, unbound.