As I traveled between Florida and Tennessee recently, I saw license plates from Arkansas, Michigan, Alabama, Georgia (where several out-of-state PST members live). From Minnesota and Arizona (whose poetry societies have contests underway). From New Mexico (site of the next NFSPS convention). And many from Tennessee, fellow travelers from all across the state.

“All across the state” has become a PST catch phrase recently, describing our mix of contest winners and sponsors and where most of our members live. Now in our third chapter-free year, we’re focused on how to better connect our members in regional communities. (Learn more about our formal (yet flexible) regional structure here.) Our Regional Connections Committee members have engaged with their communities to create regional awareness. Among their programs is a new members-only contest from Middle Tennessee offering every entrant an evaluation of their poem. Check it out! Like our monthly meetings and festival, our regional programs welcome members from everywhere.

Earlier this month, we shared a message from National Federation of State Poetry Societies (NFSPS) President Joseph Cavanaugh, who announced that NFSPS has nominated Ukrainian poet Ihor Pavlyuk for the Nobel Peace Prize and launched Poets for Peace, a project aimed (initially) to help Ukraine’s orphans. If so inclined, I encourage you to become involved. Contact poetrytennessee@gmail.com for details.

Poetry holds magic and power—the way it transports us, how poems speak a language that transcends language itself. How intimate details of place, space and time connect us to all that makes us human. (I’m reminded of Jim Minick’s July workshop where we moved from abstract to concrete and back again in generative exercises.)

Being a poet is not a wholly solo endeavor. That’s why PST seeks to provide a supportive community for poets—those of you starting out, finding your way (like me) or more established and experienced. In this record-hot summer, I invite you to find a cool spot and reflect on where you want to take your work this year. I invite you to try PST opportunities and share with us opportunities we’ve yet to discover. Join us for Annie Woodford‘s workshop August 10. Try a new form or explore a theme in contests. Buy a PST member’s book. Attend an open mic event. Get the scoop in PST newsletters, on social media, and in meetings.

Curious about PST? Join a meeting or take the plunge and join us for our 71st year: $25 is a huge bargain for the monthly meetings alone. (Wondering if you’ve renewed or not? If not, you will receive a dues reminder notice soon.) Reach out anytime. I hope to see you soon at a PST event.

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