Spring’s renewal lifts my spirits. Trees fill with leaves, flora take colorful form, and fresh air resonates with local and migratory birdsong. As I write, I’ve just returned from Arizona’s curious mountain desert landscape—also renewing, albeit in different shades, with different plumage and birdsong.

I return to the road this weekend for our poetry festival (April 26) in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. As our first in-person festival since pre-COVID, and our first-ever hybrid event, we hope members and other attendees will renew connections and develop new ties. I know I’m excited to touch base with friends in person and meet more poets!

We are grateful to partners MTSU Write and Poetry in the ‘Boro, without whom a hybrid festival would not have been possible. I’m also grateful to Festival Chair Howard Carman and Festival Contest Chair Deborah Adams, along with festival committee members Kory Wells, Mary Leoson, Jake Lawson, Cynthia Storrs, and Nikki Noushin. Further thanks go to festival volunteers Cathy Hollister, Betthy Kasoff, Julie Herman, Sara Minges, Kayla Nichols, Claudia Stanek, and KB Ballentine.

Judges have almost completed work on our annual Student Contests, so look for an announcement of winners soon.

Beginning in May, the society enters its new program year! This is the perfect time to renew or join us. The $25 membership fee is well worth the value. Find membership information here (online & mail options available). Our first presenter of the year will be acclaimed author Janisse Ray who will guide us on an exploration of the intersection of poetry and nature. Learn more.

Mid-summer the National Federation of State Poetry Societies (NFSPS) Annual Convention will be held July 23-28, 2025, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Registration is open. If you will attend and would like to serve as a delegate for our society, please contact me via poetrytennessee@gmail.com.

Late summer look for the next edition of Tennessee Voices Anthology. We are excited to share the wonderful work of our winning poets with you. I’m pleased and grateful to share that Kayla Nichols will serve as our Anthology Chair for this edition.

Check out more poetry calls, events, and other opportunities here.

We are always looking for volunteers to support our mission. Our Regional Connections Committee is in need of someone to take minutes for meetings. We are also seeking volunteers with a passion for contests, marketing, or creating connections in our regions. We promise, inquiries are not expectations for a commitment. Contact us at poetrytennessee@gmail.com to learn more.

Curious about PST? Join us at a meeting or event. Reach out anytime. I hope to see you soon at a PST event—in person or virtual.

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