The New Criterion has always taken a keen interest in contemporary poetry. We have published scores of essays on the work of contemporary poets and, since the spring of 1984, have published new poems or translations of poems in every issue. It is our judgment that the art of poetry is enjoying a vibrant renaissance. It seemed an opportune moment, then, to commemorate the life of contemporary verse. We asked David Yezzi, a former associate editor of The New Criterion and now the director of the Unterberg Poetry Center at the 92nd Street Y in New York, to edit a special section on poetry. He has put together a splendid selection of essays and poems for this issue. There is much to lament in contemporary culture. Mr. Yezzi reminds us that, in the world of poetry, at least, there is also much to celebrate.