BOOKS — PORTION CONTROLLED POETRY
In her third book of gastronomic poetry, poet, author, playwright (+ my longtime friend), Carol Durant, doubles down on her love of words + food with a menu-inspired theme.
EAT YOUR WORDS: Albany poet, Carol Durant has released 'Portion Controlled Poetry, the third book in a category she calls “Poetic Gastronomy.”
We caught up with the poet, author + playwright to take about her menu format, poetic flavors + poetic portion control. - SDP
Hi, Carol! This is your third book of poetry with food or drink in the name. Your first, Whole Phat + Gluten-Free Poetry published 2017, was followed by Cold Pressed + Just Brewed Poetry, published in 2020. Your third, newly released fall 2026, is Portion Controlled Poetry. How does food make its way into your poetry + titles?
I’m a foodie! I love food and will drive anywhere to eat a good meal. Writing poetry is fun and challenging, so I combined two of my favorite activities into the titles which were somewhat trendy. I wanted people to find comfort in poetry like they derive from food. Sometimes you are famished and sometimes you just need to nibble. I hope Portion Controlled Poetry fills the void for the individual. I hope they’ll leave a good review and tell people how they have more appreciation for the genre that is poetry.
Your new book is divided like a restaurant menu into appetizers, entrees + desserts. Can you talk about that structural decision + how you envision people perhaps sampling the different flavors in your latest work?
A food menu is familiar to most people and they’re used to perusing the menu and deciding what they would like to order. I’m hoping that people will find a poem that will satisfy their need for reading, literacy, listening and learning. Bite sized poems as appetizers to bigger poems as entrees, house specialties and more. The book is designed for individuals or as a group activity to muse, ponder and enjoy. The poems were divided by size, a few by content, but thankfully the manuscript revealed the layout which was a fortunate happenstance for me.
Is there one poem that stands out to you in your new collection? Can you give us as a taste?
This poem from the Appetizers section is a favorite because it starts in one direction and ends differently. Whether you read it or hear it read aloud, it is impactful like an eye roll or a gut punch.
Where can people buy your new book? Are you doing any readings or book promos?
Portion Controlled Poetry is available for sale ($13.95) at The Book House in Stuyvesant Plaza Albany, Market Block Books in Troy + online.
