Summer’s 2026 vibe says RELAX. Take some time. Read. Write. Do it while catching a cool breeze outdoors on shoreline under a shady tree, on a boat in the middle of a lake or bay, curled into a comfy chair in a restful room listening to rain cascade during midday summer swelter, even in an air-conditioned wait zone while your car is under repair. (Maybe while munching a midnight snack?) Yes, summer invites poetry anytime and (almost) everywhere. Here are a few ways to slide into the summer of 2026 (unofficial) poetry party:

• The Anthology Board is working on our latest edition of Tennessee Voices, and publication is on track for late summer.
• Our ROUNDUP identifies all manner of poetic happenings and opportunities.
• Discover our eclectic members-only contests online, including our special members-only Full Moon Poetry contest (due August 15), which seeks ekphrastic poems responding to one of this year’s Tennessee Voices Anthology cover pictures.
• This year’s Sealey Challenge kicks off soon (August 1!). If you’re collecting books for this 30-day challenge, why not peruse our bookstore? (Member authors: want to feature your poetry book in our store? Send us your bio, photo, book cover(s) and blurb(s) and we will feature you!)
• Our monthly programs continue through summer, featuring workshops, readings and more. I invite you to join us August 8 for our next monthly member meeting, during which poet Julie Marie Wade will lead a workshop on Haibun, an ancient and resurgent form. Afterward, we will announce monthly contest winners and share our poetry. Bring a poem or two. I hope to see there.

With relaxed attitude and much gratitude—
Lisa Kamolnick
President, Poetry Society of Tennessee