Hey friends!

I’ll be the first one to admit that life has been life-ing in ways I don’t think I’ll truly understand or appreciate until I’m looking back at the Ls as lessons I had to learn on my road to success instead of the losses I’m currently enduring.

But alas, life goes on…

I won’t shy away from recognizing that this newsletter is arriving in your inbox a day later than I had planned. I would also be remiss to not mention that the newsletter you’re about to read is a bit shorter than usual (there’s is no Top Shelf Pour section included this week). Though I am proud to say, I didn’t skimp on the curated list of upcoming events you’ve come to expect — after all, it’s probably the reason you subscribed in the first place!

So this week’s edition of The Poetry Pour is a day late and a section short, but still packed with valuable poetry goodness. I hope you enjoy…

🏠️ Brew-It at Home: The Poet Life’s Poetry Business Network

I discovered something just a few weeks ago that I already know will be transformative for my own poetry journey & of course, I’m not going to gatekeep: The Poetry Business Network, founded by visionary poet & creative strategist, Christoph Jenkins.

Last Wednesday night, I logged on for my first Poetry Business Network Global meetup (the first of what I’m sure will now be a monthly routine!) and for two amazing hours on Zoom, connected with poets from around the world.

What made the session so special was the structure - Christoph led with introductions (to make sure we all got a chance to introduce ourselves & talk about how poetry came into our lives) & continued with guiding questions designed to get us to reflect on our wins & lessons & set goals for the month ahead. I’m so excited to have joined this community, seeing already the benefits of having an accountability group fille with like-minded creatives, & am excited to continue sharing space with people who understand the power of poetry month after month — it’s so nice to be in the company of others who are actively working to leverage the power of poetry & their talents in the craft to make a difference & a living!

The experience was exactly what I needed to motivated me to try my very best to stay consistent with writing (this newsletter & my own poetry) & building my brand as I make the transformation from an individual who writes poetry to an entity/business I can make a career.

So what’s in it for you? PBN is a FREE global community so there’s no reason you can’t join too!

When you join, you’ll not only have the opportunity to network internationally (through the community app, on Zoom, & IRL), but you’ll also gain access to a whole catalog of FREE self-paced trainings/courses on how to do more with your poetry and create a sustainable poetry career.

I’m committed to learning how to create a consistent income from my poetry career & my first goal is to take 1 course per week in June — so are you with me?

🗳️ Spill the Tea: Finding Events

I'm STILL in the process of getting the comprehensive calendar of events all setup, with the help of an outside tech company. Once it’s all setup and live on my site, our community will have a finally have a go-to place (outside of social media!) to find nearby IRL events meant for poets, poetry lovers, & creatives. As I work with this company to find sources for event info, I’m still wondering your answer to the following question:

📤️ Pour Your Heart Out: Local Gems Press

Here’s a submission opportunity that’s literally made for us — the Rhode Island Bards Poetry Review from Local Gems Press is accepting submissions for their anthology celebrating the poetry of our wonderful state!

Poets of all ages from all corners of Rhode Island are welcome to submit. Local Gems Press is a small but mighty publisher based on Long Island that's published writers from over 10 countries and more than 30 states, with an ever-growing audience.

Submission Details:

• Send up to 3 poems (100 lines or less each) via email to [email protected]

• Include your work in the body of the email AND as an attachment

• Add a 3-4 line bio (written in the third person)

• Deadline: May 30th, 2025

Poems of all styles, themes, & genres will be considered, so don’t hold back! This is a perfect opportunity to get your work out there and connect with other poets across our state.

If I can find some time between today & Friday to put a google doc together, I want to submit — reply to let me know if you end up sending something in!

🏘️ Pour-trait of a Neighbor: Vegan Pours + Poetry = YUM!

On Sunday, I visited Apothica Cafe in Cumberland for their second monthly poetry night event & it sure was treat! Sipping on my lavender lemonade (delicious!), I sat back with a few friends (shout out to Mel & Monica) enjoying almost 2 hours worth of open mic performances & I can’t wait to go back next month for more poetry & tasty vegan treats!

📆 On Tap This Week

Disclaimer: *All events are subject to change without notice. Please check event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

Wednesday, 5/28

• Public x Symposium Books: Open Mic

Thursday, 5/29

• Michelle, More Than a Muse" - A Poetry Reading in Honor of Michaelle Saintil

• TDN Poetry Night at Troop

Friday, 5/30

• No local in-person events (that I'm aware of!)

Saturday, 5/31

• Ariana Reines reading from THE ROSE, along with Maggie Millner

• Mr. Orange Live Book Signing

Sunday, 6/1

• Monthly Musings at the CTC

Monday, 6/2

• No local in-person events (that I'm aware of!)

If you're hosting something soon, connect with me on IG or via email to let me know so I can help you spread the word!

Thank you again for your patience & support — cheers to more poetry ahead!

Have a great week,

Salena J.D ~ your resident pourtender & fellow poet

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