Poetry On 'Da Patio Event a Huge Success!

 

Due to the perils of the pandemic, many of Poets United's in-person activities had to be placed on hold for the year of 2020/2021. With restrictions lifted and the city gradually re-opening, thankfully, we were able to take our interaction potentially off of Zoom on July 2nd, and soar to new heights! Pun intended.

Our backyard poetry parties are among our most popular offerings, and this one exceeded my expectations. We were divinely blessed with perfect weather (despite consecutive days of down pour.)

The menu consisted of: fried chicken, tacos, spaghetti, french fries, fried rice, wine, champagne, delicious desserts, and even a candy buffet for guests.

As the pictures will reflect, the gathering was attended by all different age groups and represented an array of styles of expression.

We partied hard...which included a few of the line dances and Cha-Cha slides. 

We look forward with anticipation and hope to next year's sequel. A special thanks to all of the poets and supporters who contributed to the event's success!

Here are some of the comments from those on the scene:

“Thanks soo much, Jen, for all of your great efforts and organization in bringing this wonderful event to fruition. It was a successful and fun time for all!”

Deb

“I enjoyed myself today. You definitely should give the next event sooner!”

Leonard

“It was off the chain, girl!”

Lil

PHOTO GALLERY FOR 
POETRY ON 'DA PATIO JULY, 2021

On the Poetry Scene For April, 2021...

Welcome back, Poetry Peeps and Supporters! Happy to reconnect here today to bring you information and inspiration for days ahead. As many of you are aware, April is National Poetry Month. A time to read, write, share the myriad forms and formats of this ancient art that dates back to Biblical times. Stay tuned for events, poetry selections and listings throughout the month.

In the meantime and in/between time, I'd like to report the following:

SCHOLARSHIP AWARDED

Congratulations to Paul Cristoltean! The recipient of our Michael Bowie Memorial Creative Writing Scholarship. Paul currently attends the College of Lake County, where he maintains a B average. He plans to pursue a double major of Civil Engineering and English at University of Iowa. Paul's ultimate goal is to "write and produce films that will help entertain people in a way that has never been done before." We look forward to great things from Paul.

FORMER POETS UNITED MEMBER CHOSEN AS POET LAUREATE

Kudos to one of our former "family members" for being chosen as the 1st Poet Laureate for Hendersonville, Tennessee! This talented man is a visual artist, a poet, a writer and a published author.

Here's a short video of the induction ceremony, for those interested. Bravo, baby!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6DJ3CU_S_M&feature=youtu.be

POETS UNITED TO PERFORM IN A VIRTUAL READING IN CONJUNCTION WITH WILLOW REVIEW MAGAZINE

 

Join us for a fun and engaging poetry reading on April 22, 2021.

Willow Review Literary Magazine

Launch, Reading and Reception

Thursday, April 22, 2021 at 7:00 PM

Zoom Meeting:   

https://clcillinois.zoom.us/j/96933435319?pwd=QUlpZmxES1RlN0ZPNVVldmtLOVA3dz09 

Online and open to all, the 2021 Willow Review reading will be held online through Zoom, on Thursday evening, April 22, at 7 PM. 

Contributors to CLC’s award-winning literary magazine, Willow Review, will read from their original poetry and prose. Copies of the 48th issue will be available for mail order sales. Reviewer D.E. Steward of Literary Magazine Review gave high praise to the CLC publication: “Willow Review is altogether a singular magazine, unlike any literary magazine in the reviewer’s experience.” 

Willow Review is partially funded by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

2021 ILLINOIS FEATURED AUTHORS: Jennifer Brown Banks and Poets United to Advance the Arts http://poetsunitedtoadvancethearts.blogspot.com/ 

SEEKING POETS TO FEATURE FOR NATIONAL POETRY MONTH

Are you a poet who would like to share your work and increase your visibility? We'd love to hear from you! Send up to 3 poems with a brief Bio to: Unitedpoetry1@gmail.com 

Poets United Chosen as Illinois Featured Authors For 2021!

DETAILS AS FOLLOWS: 

Willow Review Literary Magazine

Launch, Reading and Reception

Thursday, April 22, 2021 at 7:00 PM

ZoomMeeting:   

 https://clcillinois.zoom.us/j/96933435319?pwd=QUlpZmxES1RlN0ZPNVVldmtLOVA3dz09

Online and open to all, the 2021 Willow Review reading will be held online through Zoom, on Thursday evening, April 22, at 7 PM. 

Contributors to CLC’s award-winning literary magazine, Willow Review, will read from their original poetry and prose. Copies of the 48th issue will be available for mail order sales. Reviewer D.E. Steward of Literary Magazine Review gave high praise to the CLC publication: “Willow Review is altogether a singular magazine, unlike any literary magazine in the reviewer’s experience.” 

Willow Review is partially funded by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

2021 ILLINOIS FEATURED AUTHORS: Jennifer Brown Banks and Poets United to Advance the Arts 

http://poetsunitedtoadvancethearts.blogspot.com/ 

Image credit: Pixabay.com

Poets United is Currently Accepting Applications For Writing Scholarships in 2021

 

In its ongoing mission to advance poetry, foster greater appreciation for the creative arts and support emerging writers and poets, Poets United is currently seeking applications for its Michael Bowie and Robin Denise Williams Memorial Scholarships for 2021.

ELIGIBILITY:

The program is open to high school students (Junior/Seniors)

Adults 18 years or older (college Freshman-Seniors)

Majoring in (or pursuing) a degree in journalism, marketing, poetry or a related field. 

AWARD AMOUNTS:

Two (2) scholarships of $400.00 each will be awarded to one male and one female. 

Funds may be used toward:

• Tuition-related expenses
• Website creation to promote creative projects and build a writer's platform
• Textbooks
• Computer Equipment or upgrade

CRITERIA:

Students must possess a 3.0 G.P.A. minimally; submit one letter of recommendation; and complete an essay on a designated topic.

There is no fee required to apply.

DEADLINE EXTENDED:

Applications must be received by February 15, 2021.

DOWNLOAD APPLICATION HERE:

https://smallpdf.com/shared#st=c8c8ccde-e591-4d50-bdb7-165589dc7169&fn=POETS+UNITED+MEMORIAL+SCHOLARSHIP+APPLICATION+2021-converted.pdf&ct=1611609573402&tl=result&rf=link

NOTIFICATION:

Winners will be notified by February 20, 2021. Funds will be disbursed by February 22, 2021 by PayPal or certified check.

Questions or problems? Send email to: 

POETS UNITED

Unitedpoetry1@gmail.com

Image credit: Pixabay.com

Guest Post By Dr. Archan Mehta

 

A Friend Remembers

By: Dr. Archan Mehta 

Let us remember

those who have passed on

their swan song

which haunts us still

like an army drill.

Their lives were not

Lived in vain,

They will rise again 

in our own hearts

When we sit

across the table,

we will recall the fable:

stories from the deep end

which created a friend.

Our friends are no longer

with us in blood and flesh

but their spirits

will stay with us

till the end.

BIO:

 Dr. Archan Mehta has earned a PhD. in Management. Currently, he is a Consultant and Writer based in India. In his free time, Dr. Mehta likes to stroll in the outdoors and party with close friends. He is also fond of meditation. Please feel free to reach out to the poet at archanm@hotmail.com at your convenience.

Image credit: Pixabay.com

We're Proud to Announce Our 1st Anthology Via Ebook!

 

Welcome Back, Readers!

2020 has been a challenging year for many. Its onset ushering in a global pandemic; mandated quarantines; a struggling economy; racial tensions; pandemonium; and political mayhem. These are historic, unprecedented times.

In the words of Charles Dickens: “It is the best of times. It is the worst of times.”

Still, if we are able to survive, heal, unite, navigate, learn-- there are opportunities to grow, rebuild and emerge perhaps stronger, wiser, more resilient. To be rooted in gratitude and greater consciousness in times ahead.

ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THIS PANDEMIC

Amid this process, it’s imperative not to lose sight of our very vital role as writers, messengers and creative artists to entertain, enlighten and empower. We must heed the “clarion call” to chronicle and memorialize what is happening in current times to inform future generations. 

Remember that our work broadens the lens by which others see the world and helps them better understand and embrace life’s beauty, complexities and layers. 

It is in this sprit, with this abiding mission that we share our poetry and leave our virtual footprint…

"On the Other side of This Pandemic" features over 40 poems on love, current events, pop culture, hope and healing by 6 different poets from various ages and stages in life.

We hope you'll consider purchasing a copy to read, review or gift to a fellow poetry lover.

As always, we thank you for your ongoing support.

In solidarity!

Jennifer Brown Banks,

Founder

Image credit: 

Lock, Pixabay.com

Support For Our Memorial Scholarship Program

 

We would like to give a hand of applause to those who have given us a hand, in supporting our efforts to encourage, assist, inspire and empower future writers through our Michael Bowie and Robin D. Williams Memorial Scholarship Program in 2020.

Our heartfelt gratitude is extended to the following individuals:

RANDY RICHARDSON

MARCIE HILL

COURTNEY SHOLAR

LILLIAN MITCHUM

DEBORAH TAYLOR

GAIL MERRIWETHER

A.D. MOORE

BABA GRIOT

 Your contributions enable us to continue our mission and assists us in enriching the lives of others through the arts.