Mary Ann Sullivan, who created the four videos below, is an expert in the field of digital poetry–a format which takes full advantage of the artistic possibilities of electronic media. Going beyond traditional poetic forms, digital poetry combines written text with audible and visual elements to create a unique and rewarding work.

These poems fit in particularly well with this month’s theme: they draw their inspiration from a fascinating variety of sources, ranging from notable individuals (Joan of Arc, who receives a rousing tribute in “What Can Burn, What Cannot”) to found objects (“Broken Wings,” which was written after the artist came across a mass of feathers while walking in the woods) to the everlasting beauty of the Bible (“A Tree Near Water,” which is specifically inspired by Psalm 1) to the English language and the relationship between words and images (“A Noun Thing”–certainly a fitting subject for a poet who combines the two in such an interesting fashion!). Watch and listen below to see how these diverse sources can inspire an excellent body of work…

“What Can Burn, What Cannot”:

“Broken Wings”:

“A Tree Near Water”:

“A Noun Thing”:

Mary Ann Sullivan is a poet, novelist, essayist, and lecturer. A former Cistercian and Dominican nun, she currently teaches at Hesser College in New Hampshire. More biographical information, as well as several more examples of her digital poetry, can be found on this page.