Around here we have a feature called Growler, in which we review debut collections of fiction and poetry. We’ve been doing the poetry thing for a few years now so this list only comments on the poetry. Sorry, fiction-writers. Maybe next year.

Anyway, what follows is labeled “Best Poetry Debuts 2009″ but perhaps is more accurately called “Out of the Debut Collections of Poetry I Read This Year and That Were Published This Year, These Are Some of the Best Poetry Debuts of 2009 in My Humble Opinion.” So, without further adieu, here are some books that I enjoyed this year and poets that I’ll be following for years to come.

K. Lorraine Graham Terminal Humming (Edge Books, 2009)

Jennfer Kronovet Awayward (BOA Editions, LTD., 2009)

Joseph Massey Areas of Fog (Shearsman Books, 2009)

Justin Marks A Million in  Prizes (New Issues Press, 2009)

Gina Myers A Model Year (Coconut Books, 2009)

Ed Skoog Mister Skylight (Copper Canyon Press, 2009)

Lytton Smith The All-Purpose Magical Tent (Nightboat Books, 2009)

Rick Snyder Escape from Combray (Ugly Duckling Presse, 2009)