This winter, two tiny miracles entered this world and my inner circle: lovely grand nieces, born to first-time parents. Alongside my unwavering love for my nephews, their wives, and these sweet baby girls arose a thought planted by Ed Mabrey at last year’s National Federation of State Poetry Society’s (NFSPS) convention: each of us is a poem. Like us, these newborn girls are already poems … and poets.

In a recent NFSPS President’s meeting, member Russell Strauss remarked how important it is to plant seeds in young people to propagate a healthy future for poetry and poetry societies. As I consider our society, I see founders, leaders, volunteers, and members who forged a 70-year legacy; the people who tend our garden today; and those who will create our future. I wonder if seeds of poetry were (or will be) planted in us (a poetry class, student poetry contest, a book….) or if we poets are the seeds, immersed in nurturing soil. As William Stafford said, “Everyone is born a poet – a person discovering the way words sound and work, caring and delighting in words.”

Stafford continues, “I just kept on doing what everyone starts out doing. The real question is: Why did other people stop?” But what if we just pause? What if a community keeps our place warm for when we return? Isn’t Poetry Society of Tennessee such a place, where each of us can jump in and take part in society offerings that serve our unique journeys? I invite you to take part in activities that support you and to share ideas you may have to help us improve. 

Our program year will end in April. We await results for student contests, festival contests, and members-only contests (only one open contest left!). In March, Jake Lawson explores the sonnet (including the free-wheeling American version) and in April William Garrett Wright leads the workshop for our 67^th poetry festival. Critique groups, regional activities and other community events continue. We poets collect rejections and publish poems and collections. We read. We write. We learn. We grow.

As we look ahead, our leadership team seeks to ensure our society’s continuity. To that end, we ask you to consider leadership and other volunteer roles or projects. Look for a communication in the near future about positions and opportunities becoming available short term and in future years. Help us keep a space warm for future poets and returning members alike. 

This June, the NFSPS convention will be held in Roswell, Georgia, just north of Atlanta (virtual option also available). Meet fellow poets from across the country in between workshops, poetry readings, and other events. Our poetry communities, large and small, hold space for you. 

With gratitude and wonder—
Lisa Kamolnick
President, Poetry Society of Tennessee