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“I’m no moaning bluet, mountable / linnet, mumbling nun. I’m / tangible, I’m gin. Able to molt / in toto, to limn.” In this short film, Paisley Rekdal, who served as the Utah state poet laureate from 2017 to 2022, recites her poem “Self-Portrait as Mae West Anagram” for the Utah Division of Arts and Museums.
“Fish / fowl / flood / Water lily mud / My life // in the leaves and on water,” writes Lorine Niedecker in “Paean to Place,” a long lyric poem that meditates on the region of southern Wisconsin where she was born and lived most of her life. Written in short sections, the poem goes in and out of memories and pastoral descriptions of marshlike landscapes, altogether serving as a testament to the impact a place can have on one’s poetic sensibilities. This week write a pastoral ode to the landscape you grew up in. Whether an urban sprawl or a rural town, try to use the poem’s form and idiosyncratic language to paint a portrait of your experience in this formative place.
With only a few more days left before the deadline, don’t miss the opportunity to submit to the annual National Poetry Series Open Competition. Five U.S. poets will receive $10,000 each and publication of their collections by participating trade, university, or small press publishers. The 2023 publishers are Beacon Press, Ecco, Milkweed Editions, Penguin Books, and University of Georgia Press. Residents of the United States and American citizens living abroad are eligible to apply.
Using only the online submission system, submit a manuscript of a suggested length of 48 to 64 pages with a $35 entry fee by March 15. Visit the website for complete guidelines. Finalists will be notified around May 31, around which time their manuscripts will be shared with five judges for further consideration. The competition winners will be notified around August 31, and all finalists will be informed of their status at that time.
The National Poetry Series literary awards program seeks to “support poetry and increase the audience for poetry by heightening its visibility among readers,” as well as “give American poets, of all ethnic and racial groups, gender, religion, and poetic style, access to publishing outlets not ordinarily available to them.” Members of the Board of Directors include Natalie Diaz, Daniel Halpern, Cathy Park Hong, Imani Perry, Tracy K. Smith, and Natasha Trethewey. Recent winners include Adrienne Chung (Organs of Little Importance, Penguin Books), Olatunde Osinaike (Tender Headed, Akashic Books), Tennison S. Black (Survival Strategies, University of Georgia Press), Courtney Bush (I Love Information, Milkweed Editions), and Alisha Dietzman (Sweet Movie, Beacon Press).
The Moonstone Arts Center promotes creative exchange through diverse cultural programs. Each year Moonstone produces over 200 public events including poetry, author appearances, music, theater, and film at our location in Center City, Philadelphia. They also organize collaborative programs such as Thomas Paine: The Forgotten Founding Father and John Brown: 150 Years Later. One of their most successful annual programs is Poetry Ink: 100 Poets Read, seven hours of poetry, food, and conversation with poetry lovers from around the area during Poetry Month in April.
Open Books at the Literacenter features more than fifty thousand books in dozens of genres, a dedicated youth section, comfy lounges, and more, all to support their literacy programs in Chicago. With a full calendar of literary events, Open Books hosts poetry readings, talks, and book signings.
Emerald Coast Writers, formerly known as the West Florida Literary Federation, brings together writers and area residents who are interested in writing and the literary heritage of West Florida. They offer and host educational programs, writing workshops, readings, community programs, school poetry competitions, awards, critique sessions, open mics every third Tuesday of the month, and related activities for members and the public. They also sponsor an annual student poetry writing contest, publish an anthology biannually, and maintain the Dr. Francis P.
Located inside the Mill Valley Library in downtown Mill Valley, the mission of Marin Poetry Center is to nurture the enjoyment of poetry and the craft of writing throughout the Bay Area and beyond. Most of their events, meetings, and other programs will take place within one of the library’s many welcoming rooms. The Library is a fantastic resource with convenient parking and access to public transportation.
Located two blocks east of Colorado Boulevard on Mississippi Avenue, the Bookies is an independent bookstore in Denver with a thirty-five-year history. They have a friendly, knowledgeable staff and nearly one hundred thousand book titles for all tastes and interests. Authors occasionally drop by for an informal book signing or short presentation. Signed copies may be available after an event but cannot be guaranteed unless purchased in advance.
Morrison Library opened in 1928 as a traditional library reading room providing an ambient atmosphere for students to take a break from the rigors of academic life. One of the architectural treasures of the UC Berkeley campus, Morrison Library offers comfortable seating for leisurely reading and maintains a circulating collection of newly published popular fiction and non-fiction. Morrison Library also has a limited collection of circulating audiobooks, travel books, and newly published poetry books, as well as subscriptions to several popular magazines and a few daily newspapers.
The Winchester Book Gallery is an independent, locally owned bookstore serving the northern Shenandoah Valley of Virginia since 1972. They sell new books, local art, cards, and puzzles, and regularly host book readings and signings, game nights, live music, and other literary events and local celebrations.
