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KSPS in 2025: A Year of Growth, Gathering, and Poetry

As the holidays settle in and the year comes to a close, we’re turning back through the pages of 2025 — a year filled with meaningful events, new ventures, and many moments that reminded us why the Kentucky State Poetry Society exists: to support, celebrate, and connect Kentucky poets.

A Year of Open Mics — Both Virtual and In-Person

This year, our poetry community came together in more ways than ever. We hosted both virtual and in-person open mics, creating spaces that welcomed writers from across Kentucky and beyond. Whether gathering online or in a room filled with familiar faces, poets shared work that was bold, tender, experimental, and deeply human. These events continued to affirm that open mics are not just readings — they’re acts of community care.

Craft Talks That Deepened Our Practice

We had the honor of hosting craft talks led by incredible Kentucky poets, including a special session with the Kentucky Poet Laureate. These talks explored everything from revision to voice, imagery to narrative tension. They offered writers at every level a chance to learn, ask questions, and explore new creative approaches.

A Printed Pegasus — and a Digital One Too

One of the highlights of our year was the release of both a tangible print edition and a digital edition of Pegasus, our longstanding literary journal. Seeing the physical copies arrive was a moment of pride for the Society, especially after the dedicated work that goes into editing, designing, and producing each issue.

This year’s Pegasus also carries a special place in our hearts, as we honored the late Jon Thrower, a cherished member whose generosity, mentorship, and love of Kentucky poetry touched so many. His presence continues to guide our work and remind us why literary community matters.

A Beautiful Conference Weekend

Our annual conference was another bright spot — a weekend filled with workshops, readings, panel discussions, and joyful conversations between friends old and new. The energy in the room reminded us that poetry thrives where community thrives, and that the Society is strengthened by the people who show up to learn, support one another, and share in this art form.

Looking Back with Gratitude

From open mics to craft talks, from the pages of Pegasus to the conference stage, 2025 reaffirmed that KSPS is a place where poetry finds a home. None of this would have been possible without our members, presenters, volunteers, and supporters.

Thank you for sharing your words, your time, and your presence with us this year.

As we look toward the final days of 2025, we’re grateful for everything this community brought into being — and even more excited for what’s still to come. Start your membership today.

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Reflecting on the 2025 KSPS Conference: A Weekend of Poetry, Community, and Creative Renewal

Every fall, the Kentucky State Poetry Society gathers writers, readers, teachers, students, and lovers of language together for a weekend that feels less like a conference and more like a homecoming. The 2025 KSPS Conference—held November 1–2 both in person at Joseph-Beth Booksellers and the Lexington Writers Room, and online via Zoom—was a reminder of why poetry continues to matter in Kentucky: it brings us together.

This year’s schedule wove social connection, craft, scholarship, performance, and celebration into two full days of programming that centered one simple truth: poetry thrives where community does.

Day One: Gathering, Sharing, and Celebrating Together

Saturday opened with something beautifully simple—a meet and greet in the Writers Room at Joseph-Beth Booksellers. No pressure, no agenda, just poets reconnecting, meeting new members, and settling into a creative atmosphere. It set the tone for a day that would be equally welcoming and energizing.

The KSPS Welcome Session followed, along with the launch of the fall issue of Pegasus. For many attendees, this felt like a moment of arrival—an annual reminder of our shared work and the art we produce together.

From late morning into early afternoon, attendees explored the Kentucky Book Festival programming on both levels of Joseph-Beth. This open, wandering space between sessions became a highlight for many. There’s something inspiring about discovering authors, listening to snippets of panels, and browsing bookshelves—all with a community of fellow writers around you.

The afternoon keynote brought everyone together on the Main Stage with a conversation between Silas House and Kathleen Driskell—two voices who have shaped contemporary Kentucky literature. Their dialogue invited reflection on place, memory, responsibility, and the role of writers in challenging times. It was the kind of keynote that lingers.

The day closed at the Lexington Writers Room with a reception, open mic, and mini book fair—a space where emerging and established poets read side by side. It carried that mix of vulnerability and celebration that defines the KSPS community.

Day Two: Craft, Learning, and Creative Momentum

Sunday moved online, but the energy didn’t fade. If anything, the virtual format opened the door for even more participation from poets across Kentucky and beyond.

The day was packed with craft-focused workshops such as:

  • “What the Record Shows” with Lynnell Edwards, where attendees explored archival and documentary materials as poetic source.
  • “Your Dangerous Poem” with Letonia Jones, a generative session that encouraged poets to step into boldness.
  • “Sound & Sense” with Marianne Worthington, who guided participants through sonic properties that give poems their resonance.
  • “Poetrizzle Fo’Shizzle” with Tom C. Hunley, a playful and inventive dive into form and creativity.

Breaks between sessions offered needed breathers and informal conversation, preserving the human pace of an in-person event.

The Members-Only Business Meeting anchored the early afternoon—a reminder that KSPS is a member-powered organization continuing to grow and evolve.

Later came one of the most anticipated parts of the day: a poetry reading featuring Shauna Morgan, Lennie Hay, and Matthew S. Parsons. Their voices brought range—lyrical, grounded, experimental—and created a shared emotional thread that resonated with listeners.

The conference closed with a contest winners’ reading and open mic, where both seasoned poets and first-time readers stepped forward. It was a fitting end: a communal stage, a celebration of talent, and an open space for the future.

A Weekend That Reshaped and Recharged

What makes the KSPS Conference so meaningful each year isn’t just the sessions—it’s the sense of belonging. Over two days, writers had the chance to reconnect with familiar faces, meet new collaborators, share their work, learn something unexpected, and feel creatively renewed.

The 2025 conference reminded us that poetry is living work. It grows through conversation. It deepens through practice. It strengthens through community. And it thrives when we gather—whether in a bookstore, a writers’ room, or a Zoom window.

As we look ahead to another year of poems, workshops, publications, and connection, the feeling that lingers is gratitude: for the writers who shared their time, the presenters who shared their wisdom, and the members who continue to make KSPS a vibrant literary home.

Ready to Join the KSPS Writing Community?

Start your membership today.

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Preparing for the KSPS Annual Conference

The KSPS 2025 Conference is almost here—November 1–2—and it’s shaping up to be an exciting weekend for poets across Kentucky and beyond. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned participant, taking a little time now to prepare can help you make the most of the experience. This year’s conference promises craft talks, panel discussions, poetry readings, workshops, and plenty of opportunities to connect with other poets in meaningful ways.

Tips for making the most of the conference:

  1. Plan your schedule in advance: Review the list of talks, panels, and workshops. Identify sessions that align with your interests or areas where you want to grow. Planning ahead ensures you don’t miss your must-attend events.
  2. Bring your writing: Whether you’re working on a new piece or revising an older poem, bring your notebook or laptop. Participate in workshops, join readings, or share your work with peers for feedback. The conference is an ideal space to test new ideas and get constructive input.
  3. Connect with other attendees: Conferences are as much about community as content. Introduce yourself, exchange ideas, and discuss poetry with others who share your passion. These connections often extend beyond the conference, building long-lasting relationships and support networks.
  4. Take notes and reflect: Between panels and readings, jot down insights, favorite lines, and ideas to incorporate into your own work. Reflection helps solidify what you’ve learned and inspires future projects.

The KSPS Annual Conference isn’t just a weekend of events—it’s a chance to grow as a poet, expand your creative toolkit, and become part of a vibrant literary community. Mark your calendar, make your plans, and stay tuned for updates on speakers, panels, and activities that will make this year’s conference unforgettable.

Register now! If you are a student, please use this link to register and receive a special discount.

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The Rituals of Writing

Every poet has little rituals that bring them closer to the page. Maybe it’s a steaming cup of coffee before dawn, or the habit of drafting longhand with a favorite pen. Some poets read a poem aloud before writing, while others light a candle, put on music, or take a walk to clear their mind.

These rituals aren’t just quirks—they’re part of the creative process. They remind us to slow down, create space, and signal to our brains: it’s time to write.

Why Rituals Matter

Rituals create a bridge between the everyday world and the imaginative one. They help us shift gears, leaving behind distractions and entering a mindset where words can flow more freely. A ritual can also provide comfort. On days when writing feels intimidating, returning to a familiar routine—pouring that cup of coffee, arranging your desk just so—can make the process feel approachable again.

Examples of Writing Rituals

Writers throughout history have relied on their own unique rituals:

  • Maya Angelou rented a hotel room to write, bringing only a dictionary, Bible, deck of cards, and a bottle of sherry.
  • Virginia Woolf wrote while standing at a desk.
  • Toni Morrison famously described watching the sunrise with a cup of coffee before writing, saying the ritual helped her “enter the day and the world with confidence.”

Your rituals don’t need to be elaborate. It might be as simple as setting a timer, opening your notebook, and breathing deeply three times before beginning.

Creating Your Own Ritual

If you don’t already have a writing ritual, experiment with building one this week. Here are a few ideas:

  • Set the mood: Light a candle, play instrumental music, or sit by a window.
  • Use a special object: A notebook, pen, or mug you only use while writing.
  • Mark the time: Write at the same hour each day, even if only for ten minutes.
  • Transition in: Read a favorite poem aloud before starting your own draft.

The Takeaway

Rituals are about creating consistency and connection. They don’t guarantee brilliance, but they do invite presence. Over time, your brain will begin to recognize the signals—this is writing time. And in that space, the words often come more easily.

So this week, ask yourself: what’s your writing ritual? If you don’t have one yet, perhaps it’s time to discover the small, steady practices that will carry you into your next poem.

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Poet Laureate Craft Talk Series with Kathleen Driskell

Join us for an exclusive three-part virtual workshop series with Kentucky Poet Laureate Kathleen Driskell, hosted by KSPS. Each session focuses on a different element of poetic craft and includes practical takeaways that poets of all levels can apply to their own writing practice.

Session 1: The Italian Sonnet and Its Enduring Flexibility

Saturday, August 9th | 11am to noon EST

Join Kentucky Poet Laureate Kathleen Driskell as she discusses the fascinating history of the Italian Sonnet and how she relies on the form to write new poems when she’s stuck. Takeaways? Attendees will learn how to use similar strategies to create shapely unified poems of their own, especially helpful when the dreaded writer’s drought surfaces. This session will be capped at 55 registrants.

Registration closed

Session 2: Revision Checklists

Saturday, October 4th | 11am to noon EST

Join Kentucky Poet Laureate Kathleen Driskell as she discusses strategies for revising poems, using a checklist that she’s developed throughout her writing career. Takeaways? Attendees will pick and choose, and come up with their own strategies, creating their own revision checklists that will help them unify their own poems. This session will be capped at 55 registrants.

Registration closed

Session 3: Meaning-Making Sentences for Our Poems

Saturday, December 6th | 11am to noon EST

Join Kentucky Poet Laureate Kathleen Driskell as she discusses how her ideas on form and content help her pick, choose, and deploy sentences appropriate in syntax and sound in order to make meaning for our poems. Takeaways? Attendees will revisit and learn new rhetorical and syntactical strategies to put to use in their own poems. This session will be capped at 55 registrants.

Register here

While these events are free, we welcome donations via PayPal to support KSPS programming and honor our Kentucky Laureate’s time and talent. Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated. Suggested donation: $25. 

donate here
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Summer Craft Talk Series: Poetry, Process & the Power of the Unspoken

This summer, KSPS invites members to dive into the art and process of poetry like never before. Our Kentucky Voices series is expanding to feature a special three-part virtual craft talk series, each led by a celebrated Kentucky poet and focused on a unique approach to poetic craft. These aren’t your standard readings. These are immersive, reflective, and experimental spaces designed to ignite curiosity and deepen your relationship with the written word.

Our first session kicks off July 15 with “One of These Things Is/Isn’t True: Negation in Poetry” led by award-winning poet and educator Trish Jaggers. This session asks a provocative question: What happens when meaning comes not from what is said—but what isn’t?

“There is no glass in the bathwater.”

With that image, Trish opens a gateway into the poetic potential of absence. In this talk, participants will explore how negation, opposition, and even lies can elevate language beyond its literal frame. Together, we’ll read poems that “tell all the truth but tell it slant,” and examine how emptiness, silence, and contradiction give poems their emotional weight.

This won’t be a traditional workshop. As Trish describes it, it’s “an opening through which we will slip on our way across the water, tiptoeing around the shards that are not there.” You won’t leave with rules—you’ll leave with questions, experiments, and a new lens for your own writing.

📅 July 15, 2025 | 7 PM EST
📍 Virtual | KSPS Members Only
🪑 Space is limited to 55 participants – Register now

Upcoming Craft Talks

String Theory: An Exploration of Poetry that Employs Multiple Threads
Hosted by Clay Matthews | September 16, 2025 – 7 PM EST
 What holds a poem together beneath the surface? In this session, we’ll unpack the hidden structures that tether together different voices, moments, and meanings. Through guided prompts, discussion, and practice, you’ll experiment with weaving your own threads—poetic and otherwise—into new creative work.

Craft Your Words: A Multi-Modal Approach to Poetry Writing
Hosted by Lucy Oquaye | November 18, 2025 – 7 PM EST
 Poetry can be paper and glue, image and text, absence and form. This hands-on session explores how collage, blackout poems, and zine-making can unlock new poetic possibilities. With tactile tools and a multi-sensory approach, we’ll create poetry that embraces fragmentation and opens new doors of expression

How to Participate

These craft talks are free and exclusive for KSPS members. Each session is limited to 55 participants to ensure an intimate and engaging experience. If you’re not yet a member of the Kentucky State Poetry Society, now’s the perfect time to join. You’ll get access to this series and a full year of member benefits, including publication opportunities, contests, and more.

Start your membership and reserve your spot today.

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“Commas Are Expensive” by Deidra White

At Kentucky State Poetry Society, we believe poetry can do more than reflect the world — it can interrupt it. It can demand breath in spaces where breath is often denied.

We’re honored to share “Commas Are Expensive” by Kentucky poet Deidra White — a piece that speaks directly to the bone-tired reality of Black womanhood, of single motherhood, of enduring in a world that too often takes without pause.

can someone lend me a comma because commas are expensive you know and periods and question  marks and ellipses for that matter are luxuries for other’s but not me and i know that you know  what i mean for instance when was the last time you were able to question anything while running  around doing fixing solving saving slaying conquering everything that life has thrown your way  like we some sort of super negro slave not tied to the laws of human physicality bending not  breaking losing sleep lifting entire households while we jump over societal obstacles and pits of  financial instability and you better not complain cause then you’re angry bitter broken hurt  damaged as if they didn’t have a hand in building our whipping post and smiled while they checked  for the sturdiness of it and it was so sturdy that it still stands today ready willing and able to soak  up my blood our blood that spills on every street corner and in every country on every towing line  as we pull ourselves through the refuse with entire villages on our backs my god i could use a  comma a question mark an ellipsis but none of those exist in our bag of tricks no rest for this weary  no pause no bell signaling the end of this round of duckingdodgingjabbing no cornerman with  water nor towel to wipe sweat from brow no cut-man to stop the bleeding and i just keep on  swinging and dancing trying to endure the molestation cause that’s what it is you know  something forcing it’s way inside my sanctity and don’t get me started on periods that never end  anything for me i thought at least i can end this run on existence but nah no way no how cause  every period i put down magically disappears like even autocorrect is working against me  making sure that i survive like when i was eleven i attempted a period cause i needed a comma  but wasn’t nopausenobreak nomoment of peace for me to catch my breath so i attempted to put a period there and it didn’t stop nothing and i tried again in my twenties and thirties several times  like i’m done i cannot continue on this tortuous marathon running and leaping over hurdles that i  ain’t see in nobody else’s lane and i be damned if i ain’t still here and i heard you screaming like  Celie i’m poor black and i may even be ugly but i’m here like that’s some sort of accomplishment  and i ain’t saying you wrong for feeling like that cause i know you know the truth about who we  are and what we done and how we came through but they even twisted that into some super negro  strong black woman fallacy like because we make it look so easy it’s ok to keep doing us like  this while they show up ring side with her and say i’m so glad baby that you ain’t that like he  don’t remember that i fought beside him with our kids on my back and i guess i’m just tired and  my attempted periods don’t work and i ain’t never been able to question what’s happening here  cause won’t nobody answer me but you and you got the same questions i do so we just keep  fighting our way through this run on existence hoping that down the line that towing line that  everybody uses for us to pull them through i know you know cause you was right there beside  me fighting for civil rights and women’s rights and voting rights and lgbtqia+ rights and every  other right while we’re being done wrong someone would at least lend me a comma cause fuck  i just wanna take abreakabeatapause just a minute to myself so i can catch my breath a little  seeing that i can’t afford to do that right now because commas are expensive  you know

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Echoes of the Hills: Crystal Wilkinson and the Power of Black Appalachian Poetry

Appalachia is a region rich in story—carved into song, passed through generations, whispered on front porches, and shouted on protest lines. And among its most powerful literary voices is Crystal Wilkinson, a former Kentucky Poet Laureate and a defining voice in contemporary Appalachian poetry.

Born and raised in Indian Creek, Kentucky, Wilkinson’s work is a poignant exploration of Black identity, rural life, and generational memory. In her collection Perfect Black, she weaves together lyricism, narrative, and place with precision and power:

“I am the woman with cocooned fists / trying to break free.”

Her words, like so many Black Appalachian poets, are acts of reclamation. They challenge the myth of a monolithic Appalachia. They honor the complexities of growing up Black and rural. They make visible the invisible.

At KSPS, we believe in lifting up these voices—not only during moments of celebration, but year-round. We are proud to count Black poets among our members, mentors, and inspirations.

As we move closer to Juneteenth, we’ll continue to highlight the Black literary contributions that have shaped both Kentucky and Appalachia. Crystal Wilkinson’s poetry invites us to look deeper, feel more fully, and write with brave honesty.

Want to read more?

  • Perfect Black by Crystal Wilkinson
  • Buffalo Dance by Frank X Walker
  • She Had Some Horses by Joy Harjo

Who are the Black Appalachian poets who’ve shaped your writing? Let us know in the comments or tag us in your reflections.

June 17 Open Mic

Our next Virtual Open Mic Night is June 17! Whether you’ve been writing all month for LexPoMo or just penned your first poem in years, we’d love for you to join us.

These events are warm, welcoming spaces where voices of all kinds are celebrated. Bring a piece to read, or just come to listen and be inspired.

Details and RSVP link here. Mark your calendar and help us fill the virtual room with Kentucky poetry!

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Upcoming Craft Talks and Virtual Open Mic New Sign Up – Don’t Miss Out!

Spring is here, and so are exciting opportunities to engage with the world of poetry at KSPS!

We’re thrilled about our three upcoming free craft talks, which are exclusively for our members. These workshops will dive deep into unique aspects of poetry writing, offering both a creative space and practical insights to help you hone your craft.

Craft Your Words: A Multi-Modal Approach to Poetry Writing
Hosted by Lucy Oquaye

In this dynamic workshop, we’ll explore how poems can be like marionettes or musical chords—seamlessly weaving together voices and moments that might seem unconnected at first glance. Through tactile exercises like collages, blackout poems, and zines, we’ll use materials like old magazines, paper, glue, and markers to create poetry that embraces absence and negation. The goal? To craft poems that are unexpected, real, and rich in meaning. Absence isn’t just a void—it’s a tool for creation. Dates to be announced!

String Theory: An Exploration of Poetry that Employs Multiple Threads
Hosted by Clay Matthews

Poetry often contains hidden strings—threads that connect disparate voices, ideas, and moments. In this workshop, we’ll unpack how some poems create seamless connections between seemingly unrelated elements, like marionettes and musical chords, or tapestries and trapezes. With examples and discussions, we’ll explore how these connections work and then apply the concept by creating poems using provided prompts and “strings.” This is your chance to weave your own creative threads into a poem that resonates. Dates to be announced!

One of These Things Is/Isn’t True: Negation in Poetry
Hosted by Trish Jaggers

“There is no glass in the bathwater.”
Absence—what’s not said—can be just as powerful as what is. In this workshop, we’ll examine how poets use negation—juxtaposition, rejection, and even lies—to add depth, ambiguity, and richness to their poems. We’ll explore poems that “tell all the truth but tell it slant” and then create our own works from what is left unsaid. Expect a session where we intentionally leave gaps, and from those gaps, create something unexpected and real. Dates to be announced!

Virtual Open Mic: April 15

We’re also excited to host our April 15 Virtual Open Mic, a fantastic opportunity for KSPS members to share their poetry with fellow creatives. This event will be hosted via Google Forms registration, a new system we’re using to streamline sign-ups. Here’s how it works:

  • Registration Process: When you register, you’ll select whether you’re a reader or an audience member. If you select “reader,” you’ll be asked to provide your name and email address. If you’re attending as an audience member, you’ll also provide your details to complete the registration.
  • Limited Reading Slots: In our hour-long open mic, we only have time for a 15 readers. These slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to sign up early!
  • Reminder: Reading slots are exclusive to KSPS members. If you’re not a member yet, this is a great time to join and participate in this event.

The virtual open mic is a wonderful way to share your voice, hear from others, and engage with the vibrant KSPS community. Mark your calendar for April 15, and don’t forget to register as soon as the sign-up forms are live!

In-Person Open Mic: April 28 at Loudon House

If you’re looking for a more personal connection, we’re still hosting our in-person open mic at Loudon House on April 28 from 6-8 PM. This is a wonderful chance to connect face-to-face with fellow poets and share your work in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re reading or simply enjoying the performance of others, it’s sure to be a memorable evening. We hope to see you there!

Stay tuned for more details on the craft talk dates, and be sure to mark your calendars for both the virtual open mic on April 15 and the in-person open mic at Loudon House on April 28. We can’t wait to see you there—whether you’re reading, listening, or both!

Kentucky Voices Poetry Reading with Tom C. Hunley: March 18, 8 PM (Zoom)

Don’t miss our upcoming Kentucky Voices Poetry Reading with Tom C. Hunley on March 18 at 8 PM on Zoom. Registration is still open, and we’d love for you to join us for this exciting event! Tom C. Hunley will be sharing his poetry and engaging in a discussion about his work. Be sure to register now to reserve your spot and be part of this enriching experience!