Sara Claytor

Sara Claytor’s poetic voice is like that of the storyteller whom you randomly encounter, to whom you are still listening, enraptured, several hours later. Her poems are brimming with eccentric characters and compelling details. I think it’s a bit limiting to say that she’s a southern poet, but the South definitely breathes in her work, both its exquisite charm and haunting darkness. Her poems flow, page after page, delivered with wisdom, humor, and a profound sense of optimismthat life, in the end, is indeed a splendid thing.

John Amen
Poet and Editor of The Pedestal

Howling on Red Dirt Roads curves memory’s experiences through writhing humanity, often where recall momentarily stumps itself. And memory gets close to the bone. Family relationships, the past, humor, drama, timeall shape Sara Claytor’s stories in these verses. The colorlinewith solid certaintyshines especially here in poetry I cannot forget.

Shelby Stephenson
Poet and Professor at UNC Pembroke

Whether Claytor is giving us the verbal fever of southern dances, of ghosts trailed on paved or dirt roads across America, she brings a zestful imagination, an ear and eye for language, and an empathetic heart to the task.

Colette Inez
Associate Professor of Writing at Columbia University
Recipient of numerous awards & fellowships
Author of nine poetry books

Howling on Red Dirt Roads is a hand-drawn map. You think you know the South? This poet is about to show you new scenery. Forget the main road, the journey that ends where it began. “What is the point to the circle?” Sara Claytor asks. With imagery that’s unique, both tough and tender, Claytor reveals that there are secrets and ghosts in every house. Slow down, she says, listen; there are silent cries.

Gail Peck
Poet