Keetje Kuipers Discusses Her New Poetry Collection, 'Lonely Women Make Good Lovers'

Kuipers is an accomplished poet, with four previous collections, including *Beautiful in the Mouth* (2010) and *All Its Charms* (2019). She teaches at various writers’ conferences and MFA programs, including recent engagements at the University of Miami and the University of Montana, where she resides with her family.

In a discussion following her reading at the AWP Los Angeles conference in April 2025, Kuipers describes the inspiration behind the book's epigraph, a line from Seamus Heaney’s poem “The Aerodrome.” She emphasizes the interplay between love and self-location, suggesting that understanding oneself is crucial for genuine connection with others.

The conversation delves into her poem “Summer, Again,” which candidly addresses the complexities of intimacy and societal judgments regarding sexual inactivity. Kuipers acknowledges the discomfort of discussing lack of sex in a relationship but emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and honest dialogue.

Regarding her book’s title, Kuipers says it challenges the stereotype that loneliness equates to a desperate need for connection, pushing back against cultural assumptions about desire and fulfillment. This theme resonates throughout her work, which often refutes ingrained beliefs about identity and love.

The book juxtaposes erotic poetry with reflections on motherhood, demonstrating how these experiences intertwine. Kuipers reflects on her evolution as a mother, fearing that her identity as a poet would diminish after her daughter’s birth. However, she found ways to embrace her multifaceted identity.

In discussing her poem “Washing My Daughter’s Clothes,” she highlights the significance of intimate disclosures within her poetry, marking a center of emotional weight that enriches the narrative.

Kuipers also touches on her poem “Greek Chorus,” which explores the complexities of desire and the multiplicity of relationships. She articulates her intent to navigate the gray areas of love and attraction, advocating for a broader understanding of affection that includes past relationships without undermining current commitments.

As she considers her future work, Kuipers mentions a desire to return to themes related to the Earth, drawing connections between personal experiences and the landscape of the Mountain West. She reflects on the challenge of addressing climate change in her writing, aiming to move beyond anger and grief to find new ways of engaging with loss and celebration in her poetry.

*Lonely Women Make Good Lovers* is recognized for its candid approach to complex themes and has received significant acclaim, including the Isabella Gardner Award. Kuipers’ work continues to resonate in literary circles, earning her a place among contemporary poets addressing the nuances of love, identity, and the intertwined nature of personal and environmental narratives.