Mark B. Hamilton

Poet

Author's Bio

Mark B. Hamilton is an environmental neostructuralist, working in diachronic forms to transform content, exploring the reciprocity between the inner and outer worlds, especially as it establishes our relationship with the natural world. His writings include post-modern lyrics and open verse, along with poems adapted from both the Eastern and Western traditions.

He has been a shipwright, English professor, environmental publications editor, and caseworker for Children and Youth Services. Born in Hartford, Connecticut, and raised in the small town of North Granby, he attended University of Miami, San Diego State University, and University of Montana, where he earned the MFA in Poetry with extensive work in Literature, Education, Professional Editing, and American Studies. He currently researches, writes, and publishes poetry and researched articles. Mr. Hamilton remains available for Public Readings and temporary positions as Visiting Professor of Creative Writing/Poetry.

His poetry has been published widely in the US, and abroad in the UK, Japan, Greece, Germany, and Austria. Recent works are included in: Oxford Poetry  Stand Magazine, and Urthona Journal, UK, as well as in Chrysathramum, Weber--The Contemporary West, North Dakota Quarterly, Albatross, Blue Unicorn, and Slant Journal.. He is proud to have served two environmental publications: as editor of Words On Wilderness, University of Montana, and as founding editor-in-chief, Groundwork: a natural incentive, Ball State University. From 2004-2008, he acted as founding Director of Native America Day, in honor of the First Nations, Missouri Western State University. He remains an active member of ASLE, PSA, and AI.

Writers Retreats: 

Publications & Prizes

Anthologies:
Summer Shade: A Collection of Modern Poetry (Quill Books, 2001)
,
Heron Anthology (Adrienne Lee Press, 1996)
Books:
OYO, The Beautiful River: an environmental narrative (Shanti Arts Publishing, 2020)
,
Confronting the Basilisk (Ball State University Press, 1994)
Chapbook:
100 Miles of Heat (Finishing Line Press, 2017)
Journals: ,
Albatross
,
Cider Press Review
, ,
Hopewell Review
,
Light Quarterly
, , ,
Oxford Poetry
,
Salzburg Poetry Review
, , ,
The Listening Eye
,
Third Wednesday
Prizes won: 

Mark B. Hamilton's poetry has been recognized by national and state awards, including: the Panhandler National Chapbook Award for Earth Songs (University of West Florida) the Indiana Governor's Award, Hopewell Review; the Chardon, OH, National Competition Anthology award, and two NEA Indiana State awards for hosting Visiting Artists. He has received a Matthew Hansen Endowment for Wilderness Studies, a literary fellowship at UCROSS, a readership seat at the Antiquarian Society, an honorary residency at the Sitka Center for Art & Ecology, and an honorary Visiting Faculty Post in Research, Dept. of History, Portland State University. His community service for students and youth, as well as his scholarship in American Studies and the Lewis and Clark era have earned several developmental grants from universities, foundations, and private corporations. His field studies along the Lewis and Clark Expedition route have been recognized by the National State Parks, as well as with publications of his articles and poems from his trek on their time-table, traveling as they did by paddle and pack mule, a 3-year, 8,000 mile journey.  Ecopoetry volumes from this journey include: 100 Miles of Heat (Finishing Line Press, 2017),  OYO, The Beautiful River (Shanti Arts, 2020), and "Lake, River, Mountain" (forthcoming from Cornerstone Press, 2023).

Personal Favorites

Favorite authors: 
Many and growing. Old and new. Emerging and re-discovered. Poets remain my community of choice. They have saved me. They have given me a place to be. They define who I might yet become. Recently, I have been absorbed with studies in Rilke, Wordsworth and Keats, our new eco-poets, and the anthology of Native Nations poets edited by Joy Harjo.
What I'm reading now: 
When the Light of the World Was Subdued, Our Songs Came Through by various poets, edited by Joy Harjo, Early American Poetry: 19th Century by various, Selected Works of prose and poetry by Seamus Heany, Complete Poems by Paublo Neruda, Selected Poems by Rilke, Selected Poems by William Wordsworth, Norton Anthology of Poetry by selected, The Journals of the Lewis & Clark Expedition by Gary E. Moulton, editor

More Information

Gives readings: 
Yes
Travels for readings: 
Yes
Identifies as: 
European American
Prefers to work with: 
Any
Fluent in: 
English
Born in: 
Hartford, CT
Connecticut
Raised in: 
North Granby, CT
Connecticut
Please note: All information in the Directory is provided by the listed writers or their representatives.
Last update: Oct 14, 2022