Lance Larsen, a professor of English at Brigham Young University, has spent over four decades writing poetry. His work has been widely published in prominent literary journals, and he has earned prestigious awards, including the Pushcart Prize and a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. Larsen served as Utah’s Poet Laureate from 2012 to 2017, using his role to advocate for the arts throughout the state. His latest work is his sixth poetry collection, Making a Kingdom of It.
In a recent Q&A with University Communications writer Sharman Gill, Larsen discussed his career, poetry, service, and the sacred themes found in his work.
Q: You are an accomplished poet. How would you measure your success as a poet?
A: There are certain milestones that mark a poet’s career, like publishing in respected journals, releasing a first collection, or winning a competition. These moments offer encouragement and recognition. But ultimately, I write because I enjoy it. As Robert Frost once said, poetry is not an escape from life, but a way to embrace it. Writing allows me to move beyond myself and connect with something deeper.
Q: From 2012 to 2017, you served as Utah’s Poet Laureate. How did you serve, and what did you learn from the experience?
A: I visited schools and universities, attended poetry conferences, and led workshops for underserved communities, including youth in a secure care facility. I learned that poetry is always present, like a river beneath the surface, and my job was to help others discover its power. I have deep admiration for teachers who foster a love of poetry, as their work can be truly transformative.
Q: Your poetry often reflects Latter-day Saint theology. How has this influenced your writing?
A: John Keats described life as a “valley of tears,” but also suggested it can become a “valley of soul-making.” That idea is central to my work. My poetry explores themes like light, mercy, agency, and environmental stewardship. I seek to capture the sacred in everyday life and ask how we can embody Christian virtues in a complex world.
Q: You intertwine sacred and everyday themes in your poems. How do you portray the sacred in daily life?
A: We often forget that everything in life is spiritual. Whether it’s a quail egg or a child selling puppies near the Sistine Chapel, the divine is present in the ordinary. In my work, I write about moments like a father and son reconciling during a sacrament or a spontaneous sacrament meeting in a garage during COVID. These moments remind us that the sacred is all around us, if only we open our eyes.
Q: Your new book opens with the poem “Having My Back Erased,” which explores healing, agency, and creativity. Why did you choose it as the opening poem?
A: I originally planned for this poem to come later, but its simplicity and metaphorical power made it the perfect introduction. It’s about a boy who, despite being in pain, finds distraction and healing through a game of guessing. This poem sets the stage for deeper themes, such as hurt, healing, touch, and the power of imagination in facing life’s challenges.
Q: Your book features cover art by your wife, Jacqui Larsen. How does her painting complement your poetry?
A: Jacqui and I have collaborated on multiple projects, and her cover painting for Making a Kingdom of It aligns perfectly with the book’s theme of transforming everyday life into something meaningful. The painting, titled “Under a Field of Stars,” includes elements from my poetry, such as the phrase “When my eyes open,” inviting readers to reflect on the journey of life.
Q: What advice would you give to readers new to poetry, and to aspiring poets?
A: Take your time when reading poetry. Don’t focus on finding a hidden meaning—just enjoy the experience. Pay attention to the smallest details, like the sound of a phrase or the way a metaphor expands a simple idea. Elizabeth Bishop said that a good poem should change the way you see the world for at least a day. For aspiring poets, read widely, observe the world around you, and see how your words can join a conversation that’s been happening for centuries.
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