This spring the theme for me has been travel. Last month I travelled across country and to the middle of our state. As our new program year begins, I find myself on the road again–to Florida and back, then coursing corner to corner across Tennessee for a Beat poetry collaboration in Memphis.

May marks the first month of the society’s program year. Travel around the sun with us this year! Now is the perfect time to join or renew. At just $25 membership fee is well worth the value. Find membership information here (online & mail options available).

We take a moment to remember two long-time members who will not make the trip with us into our 72nd year. We are saddened to share that Pete Harris and Frances Cowden passed away during our last program year. In his early 90s, Pete was our oldest member. Frances was the force behind our student poetry contest for many years. We appreciate their membership and contributions and will miss them.

Contest programming will begin soon, and we invite you to become a contest sponsor for a members only contest or a festival contest as we kick off the year. Learn more.

Speaking of contests, we recently announced winners of our 2024-2025 student poetry contest, just as the school year is ending for our winning elementary, middle school and high school poets. Get details here.

We started our programs for the year with acclaimed author Janisse Ray who guided us on an exploration of the intersection of poetry and nature. Learn more. In June, we will celebrate and honor our volunteers and take some time to write with a prompt or two.

If you’re looking for a reason to get out on the road, 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, excitement, and road-ready wheels—
Lisa Kamolnick
President, Poetry Society of Tennessee