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KSPS Weekly Blog #2: Poetry Reading, Student Poetry Contests, and the Upcoming Pegasus Edition

Spring is in the air, and with it, exciting literary events and opportunities are blooming here at KSPS. Whether you’re a seasoned poetry lover or a budding writer, we have something for everyone this month. From an inspiring poetry reading to upcoming student contests, plus the highly anticipated release of the next Pegasus edition, March and April are shaping up to be a celebration of poetic creativity and talent.

Tom Hunley Poetry Reading: March 18

Next week, we’re looking forward to a poetry reading from poet Tom Hunley. Tom will be sharing his poetry and insights with us on March 18 at 8 p.m. on Zoom as a continuation of our ongoing poetry reading series, Kentucky Voices. Whether you’re interested in writing or simply want to immerse yourself in the beauty of language, this poetry reading is a must-attend event. Mark your calendars and register here!

Student Poetry Contests

We’re also excited to announce the student poetry contests for 2025! KSPS is committed to nurturing young talent, and these contests are the perfect platform for students in grades 3-12 to showcase their creativity and passion for poetry. The contest is open to all students, including homeschool students and those outside of Kentucky.

Here are the details and guidelines for the contest:

Submission Format: Submissions should be in .doc, .docx, or .pdf format. Each submission must include a cover page with the following information:
- Student Name / Age / Grade / School / Email
- Teacher Name / Email
- Parent or Guardian Name / Email / Mailing Address

Submission Limit: Up to 5 poems can be submitted per document. Each poem should start on a fresh page. All submissions must be unpublished, original work.
Submission Email: studentcontestksps@gmail.com.
Eligibility: The contest is open to students in grades 3-12. This includes homeschool students and those from outside Kentucky.
Deadline: May 18th – Don’t miss out on your chance to participate!

Pegasus: April 15 Release

But that’s not all – the next edition of Pegasus is right around the corner! Set to be released on April 15, this upcoming edition promises to be a stellar collection of poetry, prose, and visual art created by local talent. Pegasus is the perfect platform for poets to share their work with a broader audience, and we can’t wait to showcase the diverse and innovative pieces we’ve received.

This edition will feature a range of voices, styles, and themes, from the personal to the universal. Whether you’re submitting your own work (submissions are still open!) or eagerly awaiting the release, you won’t want to miss this vibrant compilation of creative expression.

Join Us in Celebrating Poetry and Creative Expression!

We’re thrilled about the opportunities ahead and hope you’ll join us for the March 18 poetry reading, get involved in the student poetry contests, and stay tuned for the upcoming release of Pegasus. Let’s continue to celebrate the power of words, the beauty of language, and the creativity that thrives in our community.

Stay connected with KSPS for more updates and announcements. We can’t wait to share these exciting events with you!

Welcome to the Kentucky State Poetry Society’s Weekly Blog!

Greetings, fellow poets and poetry lovers! We’re excited to introduce this new weekly blog series as a way to keep you updated on all things Kentucky State Poetry Society (KSPS). Whether you’re a long-time member or new to our community, we’ll be sharing event highlights, news, writing tips, and more. We hope you’ll find this space both inspiring and informative.

March 18: Poetry Reading with Tom Hunley

Mark your calendars for an exciting event coming up on March 18! As part of our Kentucky Voices series, we’ll be hosting a poetry reading with Tom C. Hunley, a celebrated poet and professor of creative writing at Western Kentucky University. Tom has authored seven full-length poetry collections, including his most recent work, What Feels Like Love: New and Selected Poems (2021). He has also published seven chapbooks, with his latest, Adjusting to the Lights, winning the 2020 Rattle Chapbook Prize. In addition to his poetry, Tom is the co-editor, with Alexandria Peary, of Creative Writing Pedagogies for the Twenty-First Century (2015) and has penned two textbooks, including The Poetry Gymnasium: 110 Proven Exercises to Shape Your Best Verse (2nd ed., 2019). We are thrilled to have him join us for what promises to be a powerful and inspiring reading!

April 28: Open Mic Night at Loudoun House

We’re also excited to announce our in-person Open Mic Night on April 28 at the Loudoun House! This will be a fantastic evening where both members and non-members can gather, share a poem, and celebrate the beauty of poetry. In addition to marking National Poetry Month, this event will also honor Lexington’s 250th anniversary. The evening promises to be filled with an eclectic mix of voices and perspectives, and we can’t wait to see you there!

Stay Tuned for More Exciting Updates

If you’re not yet a member of the Kentucky State Poetry Society, now is a great time to join! We’re always looking to welcome new voices into our community and provide a supportive space for poets to thrive. You can easily start your membership with us today to receive updates, access to events, and much more.

As we kick off this weekly blog series, there will be plenty more to come! We’re thrilled to keep you updated on future events, readings, workshops, and opportunities within the Kentucky poetry scene. So stay tuned, keep writing, and let’s continue to celebrate poetry together.

Until next time,
The Kentucky State Poetry Society Team