Poetry that sticks, DIY style

For the editor and publisher of a small, independent poetry zine, Keith Gaustad isn’t too interested in self promotion. In fact, he rarely includes his own work in the semi-regular editions of Burdock Magazine, but prefers to reserve page space for the myriad poetic voices in Milwaukee and beyond.

In a sense, he is an underdog champion of local poets, compiling, editing, publishing and distributing Burdock (almost) entirely on his own. But, as any zinester knows, simply tossing your finished products into random distro racks isn’t necessarily going to get people to read your stuff. Especially when it comes to poetry.

For each issue of Burdock, Keith hosts a release reading, inviting fellow poets to participate, share ideas, drink and be merry. And he goes to great lengths to get people’s attention — like combining pro wrestling with poetry for one very interesting reading.

Have you subscribed to Backstage through iTunes yet? It’s totally worth it.