Those early-to-rise bayside days of a temperate Florida gave way in December to the noise and rhythm of machines and medical workers, doctors and nurses sharing a novella of medical terminology, days and nights in hospital rooms, and facing the harsh realities of mortality’s defenselessness against aggressive diseases. The transition of 2025 to 2026 featured my father’s journey to at-home hospice, and the first week of the year set the tone for yet another flavor of Florida days, starting with my father’s passing. I’m so thankful for family, and the way we came together at this time.

I’m thankful for friendship with so many poets, many of whom are society members. To those of you necessarily aware of our situation, I and my family thank you for your expressions of support, prayer, and condolences. I also thank our members who took on the work I had to let go of during this time.

As I write, winter has enveloped swaths of the U.S., including Tennessee. Even this part of Florida has fallen under its cold spell. Our community, however, is spreading warmth. I look forward to returning to our monthly meetings and resuming the Monday evening critique group. As I slowly return to society business, our regular rhythms will catch back. I thank you all for your patience and understanding.

In December, we celebrated your fine voices, and in January, Kory Wells delivered a wonderful workshop! Video replays will be available as soon as possible. Our next meeting will be on Valentine’s Day! I don’t have all the details just yet, but I expect you will love it.

Student contests remain open through February 10, 2026. For members-only contests, sponsor Dr. Diane Clark seeks a poem about “The thing I most regret.” Entries are open February 1 – 15. Winners will be announced in March. In March we take a break from contests. Get contest details here. For our visual artist members: break out your best cover art! We’re working on a call for cover art for our next Tennessee Voices!

If you haven’t visited our bookstore recently, check out what’s new from our member authors (at least one features a debut book from a member!). We love to highlight our member’s books, so if you’re not on our bookstore, let us know and we’ll help you through the process.

We are always looking for volunteers to support our mission. Would you like to … help us with contests or the festival? connect members in a region? write about poetic opportunities? share the latest author to be featured on our bookstore? support the mission in some other way? Contact us at poetrytennessee@gmail.com to learn more and get involved.

Curious about PST? Join us at a meeting or other activity. Reach out anytime. Peruse our website, monthly newsletters, social media (@poetrysocietyoftennessee on Facebook and Instagram). Ready to join? Find membership information here (online & mail options available). I hope to see you soon at an event—in person or virtual.

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