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Salena J. D.
May 06, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 9 minutes
Hey there !
First off, I want to thank you for your understanding after my unexpected absence the past two weeks. As you may already know, I ended up in the hospital with food poisoning and had to skip the last two editions of the newsletter. Now that I’m back to feeling 100%, I couldn’t miss delivering your weekly dose of poetry goodness!
So, without further ado…
⭐️ Top Shelf Pour: Art of Poetry
This week, I'm highlighting a unique event that celebrates the intersection of art and poetry at The National Black Doll Museum of History & Culture. Every second Thursday, Gwen Michelle & Michael Warrior Bonds, in collaboration with P.O.E.M.S Boston & POETIC CIRCLE MOVEMENT, present a showcase of talented artists and poets.
In May, Art of Poetry will be recognizing Mental Health Awareness month, featuring Coach LA, Herisa The Traveler, Black Like Crystal, and youth artists Joel & Camryn. They'll also be honoring the late and great Zora Neal Hurston, recognizing the historical role of poets as activists and messengers.
If you're looking for a way to support local creatives, immerse yourself in Black history and culture, & celebrate the power of poetry to address mental health & social justice, this is an event you won't want to miss.
🏠️ Brew-It at Home: Little State Big Rudy
This week, I'm recommending an episode from the Motif Spoken Award winners of Favorite Local Podcast for 2025, Little State Big Voices. The episode I enjoyed this week, which originally aired in July of 2024, features Rudy Rudacious Cabrera, local veteran poet, storyteller, & actor who took home not one, but two Motif Spoken Awards this year alone in the storytelling categories.
In the podcast episode, Rudy discusses the poetic renaissance happening in Rhode Island. Rudy's natural knack for performing shines throughout the interview, and his story of finding a sense of belonging in the local poetry scene is truly inspiring & ultimately familiar (as I recognize feeling more & more welcomed & supported with each event I attend & with each social media ‘like’ I receive from other local poets).
One particular piece of advice Rudy shared has been bouncing around in my head all week:
"What's gonna be the thing that pushes your creativity? Go back to your work & see which poems most people have gravitated towards…revisit & revise those poems so that 10 years from now you have a set list of pieces to get paid for."
As someone who's been trying to carve out more time for revision lately (most notably in attempting the #rewrite30 challenge during the month of April), this quote felt like a direct call to action. It's so easy to get caught up in the excitement of drafting new work, but Rudy's words remind me that revisiting and refining our existing poems can be just as rewarding—and so essential for growth & longevity. It's made me seriously wonder just how many gems are hiding in my journal or my notes app, just waiting for a little polish.
🗳️ Spill the Tea: Revising Your Poetry
This week, I’m trying something new. I’m curious to get your thoughts on revision, inspired by Rudy’s words. I’ll also be asking folks on social media, & sharing the results & my own take on Instagram & Threads sometime in the next week (well that’s the plan anyway!). So spill it…
What's your biggest challenge when revising your poetry? |
Prudence Dispatch is a brand new intermittent journal of poetry published from Prudence Island - Chippaquasett - in the center of Narragansett Bay. They are seeking submissions of up to 3 original, unpublished poems (shorter poems preferred) via email before May 31st.
This Rhode Island-based publication offers a wonderful opportunity to share your work with our local community and beyond. As a bonus, accepted poets receive two free print copies of the issue featuring their work!
🏘️ Pour-trait of a Neighbor: LitArts RI Brings Poets Together
 LitArts RI supports Rhode Island writers through community events, workshops, writing groups, and shared creative workspace. Their mission is to build Rhode Island’s arts community by supporting the state’s creative writers and enriching the lives of readers. Under the thoughtful leadership of Christina Bevilacqua, their newly appointed Executive Director, LitArts continues to create spaces where local creatives can connect, grow, & share their work. | This week’s spotlight shines on LitArts RI, the beating heart of RI’s literary community. Looking for a welcoming poetry community? Their bi-weekly Poetry Writers Group is the perfect place to land. The gathering of seasoned poets & novices alike offers workshops, craft discussions, and critique in an introvert-friendly, safe space. All poetry forms welcome! I so wish my schedule allowed for me to attend, so you definitely should in my stead! Become a part of RI’s most vibrant literary hub & gain a network of fellow writers who’ll help your poetry flourish. |
📆 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.
Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
🤎 | Recommended by me, Salena of TPP |
🆓 | Free Entry |
🎤 | Open Mic/Slam |
✍️ | Workshop/Co-Writing Session |
🗣️ | Author Reading/Featured Performer(s) |
🤝 | Writer/Reader Networking |
Tuesday, 5/6
No local in-person events (that I'm aware of!)
Wednesday, 5/7
Thursday, 5/8
Friday, 5/9
Saturday, 5/10
Sunday, 5/11
Monday, 5/12
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!
I appreciate your continued support as I create, define, & reimagine to make sure this newsletter is truly something useful & special for the local poetry community. Big things are on the horizon — I can’t wait until I have everything in place & can tell you all about it!
Thanks again for your time, attention, & support. As always, if you know someone who'd love The Poetry Pour, please forward this their way!
Talk soon,
Salena J.D ~ your resident pourtender & fellow poetry lover
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