I can't believe i just lost my post! It appears time ran out. Anyway, in response tro your question, I believe Adrienne Rich is probably my favorite contemporary poet. Bill Moyer's book on poetry re-introduced me to the joy of poetry but more importantly, to writing poetry. It was a challenging time in my life and I started writing as a therapeutic tool. It was a way to release feelings and emotions. Perhaps I'll submit one or two over the weekend.
Toby.....how does one partake in your poetry conference? I might be interested at some point. Mary