About this blog
One of America's most revered poets, Adrienne Rich, said, "The moment of change is the only poem." Because the world is always changing, poetry is everywhere, and everything can be versified.Here, I'll discuss and review contemporary books of poetry, with a focus on regional writers, publications, and organizations. I'll promote area writers by offering prompts and contests, because I want to foster a spirit of community centered around poets and readers of poetry. This is a place to demystify the art of poetry, to appreciate its economy of language, its precision of image and sound.
Please share suggestions for blog content by emailing me at sfleegal@ydr.com. I'd love to hear from you! Let's versify PA and support those who are doing the same.
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Category Archives: Poetry news
A spoonful of PoemSugar: Carla Christopher’s indie poetry press
York’s Poet Laureate hates sleep. Actually, I’m sure she loves sleep. I’m just not convinced she gets any because she’s too busy writing poetry, promoting poetry, attending poetry events (which, in the York region, are many), and booking/coordinating/producing a … Continue reading
Posted in Interview, Poetry news
Tagged "Addicted to Relapse", "Baby, "Below the Belt", "Orbits Around a Lightless Star", author-centered publishing, authors first, Carla Christopher, Crystal Charisse, Iris G. Press, Missi McLaren, Plan B Press, PoemSugar, Post Dada Press, Read Me Something with Rhythm", Rich Hemmings, SoulCry, TJ Gagliardi
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Second annual Jawstruck! Spoken Word and Performance Festival: Submit through May 20, attend June 7
I attended this event last year — its first year — and I can assure you: The name is apt. In fact, the point of Jawstruck! is to present poetry so real and moving that it leaves you picking your … Continue reading
Versify meets Storify: My timeline of Melissa Carl’s Pulitzer Remix adventure
Twice during April, I blogged about Melissa Carl, West York Area High School teacher and accomplished poet, and her participation in the Pulitzer Remix project. I blogged at the beginning of April, then again at the halfway point. I also … Continue reading
York’s Lynn Fetterolf places second in PA Poetry Society contest
I missed this — oops — but York’s own Lynn Fetterolf recently placed second (and third, and fourth) in the annual poetry contest sponsored by the Pennsylvania Poetry Society. From YDR online: Pennsylvania Poetry Society, Inc. is proud to announce … Continue reading
Posted in Poetry news
Tagged Lynn Fetterolf, Pennsylvania Poetry Society, poetry contest
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New online home base for poetry events in southcentral Pa.: Bookmark The Triangle
Three cities, dozens of poetry events, one website. Students at Millersville University’s Creative Writers’ Guild have created a website to connect the literary events in the southcentral Pa. “triangle” made by the cities of York, Harrisburg and Lancaster. Visit www.thetrianglepa.com … Continue reading
Sharon Olds wins Pulitzer Prize in Poetry for ‘Stag’s Leap’
I’m a long-time, major Sharon Olds fan. Yesterday, as I was inundated with graphic images and horrific reports from Boston, I learned she’d won the Pulitzer Prize in Poetry for a collection of poems called “Stag’s Leap,” which happens to … Continue reading
Posted in Poetry news
Tagged 'Stag's Leap', NPR, Pulitzer Prize in Poetry, Sharon Olds
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York’s own Melissa Carl chosen to participate in Pulitzer Remix for National Poetry Month
Those interested in poetry go nuts for National Poetry Month. It seems everyone has a project (ahem, like me, and me, and me again). My favorite thing about Poetry Month is the multidisciplinary effect. Writing a poem every day is … Continue reading
Spend your First Friday at the York Emporium with jazz, poetry and more
Wondering how to spend this lovely, spring-like First Friday? Since it’s National Poetry Month, why not take in some spoken words? Maybe a dash of jazz? Tonight is Poets Sing the Blues: An Evening of Jazz/Blues-Inspired Poetry and Music, 7 … Continue reading
Poet Jeffrey McDaniel will read at PSU-York noon Tuesday
From the Penn State York News & Events web page: Celebrated and nationally-known poet Jeffrey McDaniel will read his work in the Lee R. Glatfelter Library at Penn State York on Tuesday, March 26. The poetry reading is set for … Continue reading
Poet Marie Ponsot wins $100,000 Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize for lifetime achievement
Did you even know there was a $100,000 poetry prize? There is. Marie Ponsot won it today, for a lifetime achievement (she’s 91) that includes six poetry collections and more than 30 books of translation. The prize is awarded by the … Continue reading
Posted in Poetry news
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