The Poetry Pour
Posts
An Early Morning Request From Your Resident Pourtender

An Early Morning Request From Your Resident Pourtender

This week in PVD Poetry & a special opportunity

Salena J. D.
June 25, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 11 minutes

⭐️ Top Shelf Pour: Intimate Outing by Simply Sara

Outspoken Presents… This Is Us

This intentionally intimate event centering poetry is happening this Saturday, 6/28 from 6-9PM at Brass Monkey. With an open mic (10 spots available on a first come, first serve basis), & a special preview of the documentary, “This Is Us”, Sara has organized another banger of an event you won’t want to miss. I first met Sara back in April during her feature night as part of Public PVD's Def Poetry viewing series. She struck me as a woman of her people from the jump & this event is even more proof. It’s bound to be one for the books so register now using the link below then make sure to send $15 via cashapp to $outspokenbysimplysara to secure your spot for sure!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/this-is-us-tickets-1380762922069?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

🏠️ Brew-It at Home: Embrace the Poet Life

Remember last month when I mentioned discovering PBN network?

I know I've been gushing about this since I first discovered it, but honestly, the Poetry Business Network has been such a game-changer for how I think about my poetry career. I can’t wait to reconnect with poets from literally around the world, and I am so grateful to Christoph (the founder) for creating this beautiful space where we can all share our journeys, celebrate wins, process challenges, and set meaningful goals.

What I love most is that it doesn't feel like networking in that awkward, business-card-exchanging way. It feels like finding your people — folks who understand what it means to pursue poetry as both an art form AND a sustainable career path.

This monthly meetup runs for about two hours, and while that might sound long for a Zoom call, I promise the time flies by. Christoph is an incredible facilitator who makes sure everyone feels welcome and heard.

🗳️ Spill the Tea: IRL Connection

I've been thinking a lot about how to create more meaningful connections for our local poetry community and in pondering about hosting my own event (not yet but eventually) I want to make sure I'm creating the right kinds of spaces for us to connect.

I've been dreaming about a monthly poetry book club where we could discuss a poetry chapbook or craft essay together (I’ve learned that I need structure and outside accountability to stick to anything, especially reading consistently) but maybe you're craving something entirely different! Would you prefer planned write-ins? Structured workshops? Or perhaps informal social meetups where poetry is just the starting point for connection as human beings?

What type of in-person poetry gathering would you most like to attend?

Your feedback in these polls directly shape what I spend my time and energy on, so don't be shy about sharing what would actually get you out of the house and in community!

📤️ Pour Your Heart Out: Your Words in Print

Submit to Motif Magazine

If you’re not familiar with Motif (but honestly, how can you not be?!), they’re a cornerstone of the local arts & community news scene and they’re accepting poetry submissions (3-5 poems) until 6/30 for print publication. Accessible in that they accept submissions FOR FREE via email, this may just be one of the best ways to get your poetry in front of our local community. If I can find the time this week to get something ready, I want to submit a few pieces myself! 🤞There's something special about seeing your work in print, especially in a publication that's distributed all around our city. If you end up submitting, let me know — I'd love to celebrate your work if it’s selected! 😁

mailto:[email protected]

🏘️ Pour-trait of a Neighbor: Best of Both Worlds

I've found my new creative home base! Riffraff Bookstore and Bar has quickly become my go-to spot this month (five visits and counting!).

What makes it so perfect? By day, it's an ideal co-working space with excellent lighting and just the right ambient noise. By night, it transforms into a cozy spot for post-open mic discussions or late writing sessions — even on weeknights when most places have closed.

I first visited for their Drink & Draw event in early June (armed with my adult coloring book and gel pens because visual art is NOT my forte). Since then, I've been camping out with my laptop to work on this newsletter and the community calendar.

Their poetry selection deserves special mention — thoughtfully curated with both established and emerging voices. Plus, their mock/cocktails are the perfect companion to browsing or writing!

Whether you need a productive afternoon, a literary happy hour, or just want to surround yourself with book-loving folk, Riffraff delivers on all fronts.