“The Mushroom Hunters” by Neil Gaiman is one of the best poems I’ve read this year. It was my top pick when voting for the 2018 Rhysling Awards, and must have been for many others because it recently won in the long poem category!

“The Mushroom Hunters” was originally published online in 2017 on the Brainpickings website, after it had been read at The Universe in Verse event by the amazing speaker, musician, and artist Amanda Palmer. For me, one of many highlights from the video is Maria Popova’s mention of their shared love for Wisława Szymborska’s poetry, a poet who is also one of my absolute favorites.

I’m in awe of the art on display in this video, the multiple talents, their craft, and the message.