Karen Van Outryve is a poet and Aesthetic Realism consultant. Together with Margot Carpenter, she teaches “Poetry & Liking the World,” a class for children based on the Aesthetic Realism understanding of poetry. About Eli Siegel’s poem “Spark,” she says: Every time I read this poem I feel hopeful, and I’ve seen hope in the… Read more

Steve Weiner, computer specialist and Aesthetic Realism associate, writes: This first issue of TRO for 2025 is about a subject that people every­where need desperately to understand—a subject that Aesthetic Realism shows to be the most beautiful, exciting subject that exists: what justice is! This TRO asks—and answers—the question Does all poetry, the real thing, arise from a just way… Read more

Barbara Buehler, NYC planner and Aesthetic Realism associate, writes about Ruth Oron’s important article “What I Learned about Kindness: Looking at a Painting by Vermeer”: Most people would say they want to be kind, and yet too often we feel we’re not. I thought I was kind in remembering friends’ birthdays and writing thank-you notes… Read more

Nancy Huntting, Aesthetic Realism consultant, writes: The new issue of TRO has an irresistible and urgent title: “The Kindness of Art.” What does it mean to see in a way that’s kind—solidly kind? Does art show that kindness is not some soupy thing but is powerful, terrifically accurate self-expression? Yes! In this issue you’ll meet… Read more

Jeffrey Carduner, Aesthetic Realism consultant, writes: Is there such a thing as a best way of seeing what we don’t like, what’s confusing and disorderly? And what does true poetry, including the poetry of Stephen Crane, author of The Red Badge of Courage, have to do with honestly making sense of our world? The knowledge that awaits you… Read more

Christopher Balchin, educator and Aesthetic Realism associate, writes: When I first read “It Will Be Annabel November,” I was amazed, and stirred to my depths. This greatly musical poem by Eli Siegel is about a woman and her relation to a wide and ever-changing world, as represented by the month of November. In his note… Read more

Steve Weiner, computer specialist and Aesthetic Realism associate, writes: Is there such a thing as the “Real Thing” in poetry? What is it, and why is it hugely different from verse that’s not truly poetic? You’ll learn why Aesthetic Realism sees it as crucial for a person’s life to understand the distinction. (A big reason… Read more

Nancy Huntting, Aesthetic Realism consultant, writes: “What Kind of World Is It?” is the title of the new issue of TRO. That important question has an answer—an urgently needed and thrilling answer—given mightily here! With all there is in the world to rightly be against—you’ll learn how all true poetry, all true art, shows the world… Read more

Carol McCluer, actor, training specialist, and Aesthetic Realism associate, writes: What makes a person successful?—getting a promotion at work, a bigger home, an expensive car? In my own life, after getting many of the things I thought I wanted, including singing and acting professionally, and getting the flattering attentions of various men, I was disappointed… Read more