NC Society

SPRING 2004 Spring Meeting

Saturday, May 22 Workshops and Readings Weymouth Center Southern Pines Awards Day ~ May 22

9:15 Registration and order Festival ~ June 19 lunch (see below)

10:00 Business meeting – installation of 2004 officers Awards Day 10:15 Pinesong dedication The news inside May 22

10:30 Poet Laureate , McDill Several readings and workshops The envelope please… and Student Contest occur in early April winners read and beyond. Don’t miss these exciting opportunities! By the time this newsletter Noon Lunch break – catered reaches your mail box, the box lunch, or bring 2 President’s message Oscars will be old news. But the your own excitement over Awards Day at

3-4 Awards Day, May 22 Weymouth is only beginning… 1:15 Adult Contest winners

read see page 3 5 A look inside the contests

6-7 New members, Kudos IMPORTANT NOTICE Lunch Instructions Order & pay for lunch 8 “Bring Sam Home” The May meeting (Awards Day) will be held May 22 Between 9:15-10:15 We are asking for pre- (the 4th Saturday, reservations for the May 22 9 Sam Ragan Festival not the 3rd as usual) meeting only because we expect a large crowd. Please cooperate and 10 Workshops & readings send your lunch selection with check payable to 195 by May 14 to: 13 Updates & notices Reminder Rebecca Mitchell Spring is the season of 605 East Main Street 14 Poetry Council contest renewal and that also Walhalla, SC 29691 [email protected] means annual Poetry 195 will provide a box lunch for 16 Officers, committee chairs Society dues are due. $8.50 (includes tax)

Choose chicken salad sandwich Did this edition of the For your convenience, or tuna salad sandwich, newsletter arrive early? dues can be paid at the or vegetarian salad. See the note at the foot Iced tea is included. May 22 meeting. of page 8. You will receive a lunch ticket.

Spring 2004 Poetry Society PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Dear Friends in Poetry, The Gilbert Chappell Distin- you’ll find our past and future It has been a great joy and honor guished Poet Series (DPS) is under- events finely displayed. The site to serve as your president for two way with the first readings in March hosts a Poetry Society calendar and years. Thanks for your confidence and April. The two Distinguished also links to the North Carolina and encouragement. Little could Poets chosen this year are Shelby Writers’ Network calendar. I urge have been achieved without your Stephenson in the east and Larry you to surf the site—be wowed and hard work and guidance. Looking Wayne Johns in the middle of the informed. Also, consider joining ahead, the Poetry Society will be in state. A western poet may be cho- the Writers’ Network. Membership great hands with Ann Garbett as sen later. The Distinguished Poets may open doors, and participation President and Pat Riviere-Seel as 1st and Student Poets, sponsored by the in their activities may advance your VP/Programs. They, too, will need North Carolina Center for the Book, writing skills. Last year a large your creative energy. will also read together in local li- group of NCPS poets attended the We kick off the new Poetry Soci- braries. Look for guidelines soon NCWN fall conference and had a ety season in May, the time of an- on how a student or poet may par- blast. We ate supper together, and it nual membership renewal (please ticipate. The DPS is funded by a was a supper to remember. One of pay dues at registration, or in ad- generous gift from Marie Gilbert, our members, with much savoir- vance, with Carolyn and Guy and serves as ex offi- faire, asked to see the lobster in the York). Join us in the Great Room at cio member of the Coordinating raw before she ordered it. The Weymouth as we install our new Committee made up of Lois Wis- waiter obliged, and the lobster was officers, and as adults and students trand, Sally Buckner, Bill Blackley, lovely. Another member, with less read winning poems from the 2004 and Marie Gilbert. savoir-faire, asked if he might view Pinesong. In June we’ll tune voices Thanks to Janice Sullivan, David the chicken. and instruments and celebrate our Manning, and Sharon Sharp who As my last exhortation in the poetry friendships by reading at the are revamping our aging By-laws bully pulpit as president before Sam Ragan Poetry Festival. See and Constitution to fit, de facto, our turning over the gavel to Ann Gar- details of these two programs on working reality. bett, I entreat all members to partici- pages 3-5. Sue Farlow, current workshop pate in the workings of the Poetry I’m excited about what’s on the coordinator, and Margaret Parrish, Society, and thereby to develop or horizon under our new leadership. past coordinator, have arranged a strengthen your poetry friendships. Your Board has recently worked on neat series of opportunities to hone Buy, swap, or check the library for enriching relationships with ARTS your poetry skills. The next work- poetry books to read. Get down to North Carolina, the North Carolina shops are the Elon Poetry Day on the hard business of writing and Center for the Book, the North April 24 led by Kevin Boyle, Direc- sending out those poems we all Carolina Writers’ Network, and tor of the Department of Creative want to read. Hey, maybe now, as Friends of Weymouth. We look writing at Elon; and a workshop in I’ll soon be a “has been, ” I’ll take forward to continued work with the Chapel Hill on May 8 led by Mar- my own advice and work on writing North Carolina Center for the Non- garet Booth Baddour. See an- and submitting more. Good reading profits and the North Carolina Arts nouncements in this newsletter. If and writing to you all. Council. We hope you enjoy the you have workshop ideas please benefits as we explore our mutual share them with Sue. If she asks Warmly, Bill Blackley interests with these organizations. you for some help, please, favorably

A new Student Poets Group consider giving the Poetry Society a sponsored by the Poetry Society bit of your time. Volunteer effort P.S. I recently sent an e-mail up- seems to be well on the way to be- makes our Poetry Society unique date for members but encountered coming a reality. Natalie Vaders is and effective in pursuing our mis- several delivery failures. Please see our student member taking the lead, sion of encouraging the reading, page 13, and if you find your name with member Jane Hazelman and writing, and enjoyment of poetry. listed, please send your correct e- local poetry teacher Candy Hendrix How to find out what poetry ac- mail address to Faye Dozier so you as her advisors. More about this tivities are coming up? Read the can receive future Poetry Society e- later but keep your ears open, and newsletter or check out the North mail updates. Thank you. Faye’s please, direct student poets to this Carolina Poetry Society website at e-mail is: [email protected] project when it is in full swing. www.sleepycreek.org/poetry. Here

Spring 2004 2 North Carolina Poetry Society

Awards Day at Weymouth

On Saturday, May 22 we honor the adult and student winners of the North Carolina Poetry Society’s annual poetry contests. What better way to welcome spring than to bring a new generation of poets on stage? The smiles of proud parents and teachers glow brighter than the glittery designer dresses on Oscars night, and the poems you’ll hear far surpass accep- tance speeches. Maybe one of this year’s student poets will be the Poet Laureate winner in a few years or maybe even the state Poet Laureate who selects the winning poem. So listen carefully when the student poets read. (See Libby Campbell’s article on the next page for more on the student contests.)

For the second consecutive year the Poet Laureate runners up will be reading their poems. Since the runners up poems are not published in Pinesong, this reading is your chance to hear these poems before they appear in print – if the preliminary judge for the Poet Laureate Award thinks it’s a nifty poem, chances are it will soon find a home in a fine literary journal.

The Adult Contests (including the Poet Laureate category) received 434 entries from 90 poets, according to John Ferree (see his story for an inside look at the contest). Most poems came in from the larger metropolitan areas of North Carolina, with Charlotte and the Trian- gle leading. Entries also came from Texas, New Jersey, and Ohio. John thinks this year's entries set a record — the previous being 424 two years ago and 408 last year. The most- entered award category the last two years has been the Thomas H. McDill Award.

Awards day at Weymouth is like an outstanding motion picture or stunning poem — it may look like easy work but a lot of effort and long hours go into making it appear effortless. Here’s to the many people who help make this day possible.

And the winners are...

Best directors – Libby Campbell and John Ferree for their hard work the past two years in overseeing the Student and Adult Contests. Libby, the second vice president in charge of Student Contests, and John, chair of the Poet Laureate Award and Adult Contests, have de- manding and time-consuming jobs.

Best editor – Pinesong Editor Celisa Steele for bringing us such a beautiful book.

Best casting director - Ann Garbett for the difficult task of choosing the Pinesong dedicatee from among many who have given outstanding service to the Poetry Society.

Best producers – Carolyn Norris and Dede Wilson for finding judges for the Adult and Student Contests.

Best art director – Joanna McKethen, artist and poet, who generously gave her talent and time to design and produce this year’s beautiful award certificates.

Best fiscal effects – Bill Griffin, treasurer, who writes the checks and gets them to the con- test judges. continued on the next page...

Spring 2004 3 North Carolina Poetry Society Awards Day (continued )

Best set design — Alex Klalo, property manager at Weymouth, and Rosemary Holland, ad- ministrative coordinator at Weymouth. These two make sure the Poetry Society has access to Weymouth and that the rooms are set up and heat and air conditioning in working order.

Best crowd mixing – Guy and Carolyn York, membership chairs, whose cheery smiles greet everyone, making sure all are signed in and pointed in the right direction.

Best literary mixing – Mollie Carlin, Sue Farlow, and Gail Williamson (substituting for Jan Hilton) who staff the bookroom and handle Pinesong sales and distribution.

Best opening libations – Maureen Sutton for providing coffee and tea before the meeting.

Installation of Officers

Before the award winning poems are read we will say thank you to the current Poetry Soci- ety officers and welcome new board members.

In the spirit of the Oscars, we salute members leaving the board:

Best male poet in a leading role — Bill Blackley for his tireless energy, enthusiasm, and hard work on behalf of the Poetry Society. During the two years he served as president, Bill traveled the state making contacts and creating working relationships with other poetry organizations. “He not only has a lot of energy, he gets things done,” Fred Chappell said about Bill last summer. Bill took one of Fred’s ideas—a program for established poets to mentor student poets—and turned it into the Gilbert-Chappell Distinguished Poet Series. Bill persuaded Marie Gilbert to fund the series and he put together the committee that has done the nuts and bolts work to make the series a reality.

Best female poet in a leading role — Becky Mitchell who as first vice president personified grace under pressure. She’s the one to thank for arranging stimulating programs and provid- ing yummy lunches.

Best female poet in a supporting role — Janice Sullivan who has worked hard for the Poetry Society in a number of roles over the years and ends her term as a member at large on the board.

Best male poet in a supporting role — David Manning, another Poetry Society member who has generously contributed his time and energy in numerous roles and is also leaving the board.

Best musical score — Bill Blackley for bringing outstanding musicians to the Sam Ragan Poetry Festivals and for sharing his own music with us.

BRAVO !

Spring 2004 4 North Carolina Poetry Society An insider’s look at the North Carolina Poetry Society’s contests (or, what happens after you mail your poems)

John Ferree, Coordinator of the writer with a worn out rib- addresses, fees, whether or not they Poet Laureate Award and the bon. Some are very easy to deal are members, SASE's, and catego- Adult Contests, gives us with and some have to be attended ries entered are placed in a spread- the inside scoop to. sheet. This year, my spreadsheet Fred Chappell once said that a Last year the poems arrived rela- developed problems and I began poem is finished when the poet is tively consistently throughout the losing poets —which meant I had to dead, so, as usual, some entrants entry period with a slight flurry at drop back to going through the en- sent revisions of their poems all the end—which meant that I got to velopes for the information. It also during the entry period with instruc- sit and read the poems each eve- meant I had to type each name, ad- tions to throw away the old and sub- ning. This year I was worried that dress, and poem title several stitute the new. One entrant had his we were not going to get many en- times. But, it all worked out and entire portfolio stolen from his car tries—until the last week when they was fun. —-probably to get the beautiful all arrived en mass,— which meant leather case they were in—so that I that I didn't really have time to read Libby Campbell, Second Vice- had the only copies of his poems in many of them. President and coordinator of Stu- existence. Of course, I made copies Procrastinating poets produce dent Contests, tells it like it was and sent them to him. One entrant postal pandemonium! My poor and sends her thanks was not certain if their membership mailbox was swamped and, as was in effect and sent checks for usual, several poems were sent reg- The number of student entries in different amounts with instructions istered mail which, because I am not our annual NCPS Student Contest to destroy the ones not applica- home during the day to sign for increased from 340 in 2003 to 425 ble. There are always special re- them, meant that I had to drive eight in 2004. Entries came from all over quests to attend to—which is one of miles into Seagrove to the Post Of- our state. Areas that sent no poems the things that makes this job so fice to retrieve them. Seagrove is a last year submitted multiple entries much fun. All these poems arrive— small town, and the Post Office is this year. Numerous teachers ex- wonderfully personal writings—and closed from noon until 2:30, which pressed appreciation for our making occasionally I get to contact the meant I couldn't pick them up dur- this opportunity available to their person who wrote them. I enjoy ing my lunch and had to get off students. that. work. Without the extra work and en- Some people send a separate I received the poems and placed ergy many of you devoted to en- check and a separate SASE for each them into category envelopes —two couraging students and teachers, we category entered. Some forget the large manila envelopes for each would not have experienced the check and I have to write or email category, one with the names and superior quality of this year’s en- them (and hold poems out until the addresses of the poets and one (for tries. Thanks to all who visited fees arrive). Some are immaculately the judges) without. There are addi- classrooms and shared your love of printed and packaged with a variety tional envelopes for SASE's and poetry with students and their teach- of fonts and type sizes while oth- checks. When the poems arrived, ers. You have a treat in store for ers are obviously painstakingly they were sorted into the appropriate you when you hear the winning stu- hunt-and-pecked on an old type- envelopes after the poets' names, dents read on May 22.

What kind of contest is it?

The North Carolina Poetry Society sponsors a “blind” contest, meaning that the judges, all of whom live outside North Carolina, receive no identifying information about the authors; the judges see only the poem-entries. Long before contest entries are sent to the judges, the Coordinators of the Adult or Student Contest Judges have found highly qualified poets to judge the Poetry Society’s annual awards. Each contest has one judge, except the Poet Laureate Award, which has two: a Preliminary Judge who selects 10 poems from the total entered in the contest, and the final judge (usually the North Carolina Poet Laureate), who selects one of the ten for the Poetry Soci- ety’s Poet Laureate Award.

Spring 2004 5 North Carolina Poetry Society WELCOME, NEW MEMBERS!

WORDS TO DISPELL THE DARKNESS by C. Pleasants York

As a writer, I have always been intrigued by a verse in the poem “Space” by Anne Morrow Lindbergh, where she explores the power and the possibilities of words. What awesome tools we have in our grasp and what power we have at our fingertips!

A word falls in the silence like a star, Searing the empty heavens with the scar Of beautiful and solitary flight Against the dark and speechless space of night.

K. LYNDSEY BASNIGHT include Moonwort Review, L’In- Tom lives in Tobaccoville with she was an assistant editor of a 2919-B SUMMERFIELD trigue, Blue Fifth, The Pedestal, his wonderful wife who is a small paper in Raleigh, and in DRIVE Skyline, the Eintouist, Sensa- professional muse. He is a the interim she has written free- WILSON, NC 27896 tions, Visions, a biography graduate of High Point Univer- lance for various magazines. (252) 944-7838 (Diverse City, 1999) and book sity, and he says that he is not Currently, she is a member of [email protected] and magazine editorships (Peter sure what he wants to be when NCWN and has enjoyed working Tomass’s Mixing Cement, Thun- he grows up. on a novel. She looks forward to JUDITH BEHAR der-Rain , 2000, and L’itrigue). honing her poetry in the future. 2514 WALKER AVE. “May your lives be filled with JON LEON GREENSBORO, NC 27403 poetry . . . All things good and 1214 COLLEGE PL. MARY LOU MILLER (336) 294-4904 beautiful.” RALEIGH, NC 27605 4715 CARMEL VISTA LANE Having limited her law practice (919) 829-1585 CHARLOTTE, NC 28226 to non-court matters in order to ELIZABETH HOBBS [email protected] (704) 541-0297 practice poetry, fiction, and tai 2022 WILSON STREET Born. Given copy of Prevert’s [email protected] chi, Judith has had poems pub- DURHAM, NC 27705 Paroles. Orphaned. Risk. Rural Newly married in Charlotte, now lished in Lines from a Near (919) 286-5857 High School. One year in the for a year and a half, Mary Lou Country, The Crucible, and Main [email protected] projects – alone. Poverty. Long- is a native of Los Angeles. Street Rag. shot. Education. Move. One- Moving from Los Angeles to RODNEY JACK room apartment. Mayakovsky. Charlotte was an adjustment EUNICE M. BROCK PO BOX 12 O’hara. Long hours at the book- culturally, but she is now happy 319 BURLAGE CIRCLE LAURINBURG, NC 28353 store. Long drunken. Dim to call Charlotte “home.” CHAPEL HILL, NC 27514 (910) 277-5456 lights. Passion. Brooklyn. [email protected] [email protected] Atlanta. One-room apartments. GEORGE PENCE III Dirt. Typewriters out windows. 111 LAKEVIEW DRIVE BETH CAGLE BURT “I’m happy to be welcomed as a Wine bottle walls. Las Vagas. WHISPERING PINES, NC 1500-1 MARYLYNN DRIVE member of the North Carolina Providence. The Paris Review. 28237 CHARLOTTE, NC 28262 Poetry Society. I very much Asheville. Philadelphia. Hotels, (910) 949-3082 (704) 548-3888 look forward to the pleasure of hostels, dives, sidewalks. More [email protected] [email protected] meeting everyone.” To find out words on napkins. Heartstrings Most of George’s work has been more about Rodney’s writing, & convictions. International short stories and political essays DONNA DUDISH check his Web site: circulation. that can be read on his Web 9308 KNOTTY PINE CIRCLE www.rodney-jack.com. site, www.georgepence.com. “I CHARLOTTE, NC 28227 LOUANNE LIVERMAN do write poetry,” he said, “—less (704) 535-6156 ARNIE JOHANSON 3312 GREENHOWE DRIVE in the past than I’d hope for the Donna.dudish@mindspring. 17 GOVERNOR’S PLACE WILMINGTON, NC 28409 future – Imagine me in all ways com DURHAM, NC 27705 (910) 792-0443 like Pablo Neruda, minus the Donna is originally from Con- (919) 384-0424 [email protected] talent.” necticut and has lived in Char- [email protected] Lou Anne is a native North lotte since Christmas of 1999, A retired philosophy professor Carolinian, having lived in Wil- SYLVIA ROSS where she shares her husband from Minnesota State University mington via Raleigh and Mur- 527 ASHLEY COURT with a dog and two cats. She has at Moorhead, Arnie moved to freesboro. She was a 1988 CHAPEL HILL, NC 27514 a BA in English and has been Durham in 1999. He got hooked Meredith graduate, where she (919) 960-8302 writing poetry for herself since on writing poetry through Duke was fortunate enough to take a [email protected] she was 14. Institute for Learning in Retire- poetry class under Betty Adcock. ment. She is married to John H. Liv- ELIZABETH (PENNY) PHYLLIS JEAN GREENE TOM KINCAID erman III, and they have two O’DONNELL 9601 Leslie Drive 6280 TOBACCOVILLE children: Henry, 10 and Ellen, 8. 103 DOWNING PLACE Chapel Hill, NC 27516 ROAD She has recently started working SOUTHERN PINES, NC (919) 942-6787 TOBACCOVILLE, NC 27050 outside the home again part -time 28387 [email protected] (336) 922-1123 at a local gift shop, The Fisher- [email protected] Phyllis Jean Green’s credits [email protected] man’s Wife. Before children,

Spring 2004 6 North Carolina Poetry Society DAVID RIGSBY (828) 696-9937 BIO INFORMATION 315 OAKWOOD AVENUE [email protected] If you are a new member and your bio has not yet been RALEIGH, NC 29601 Susan Snowden has published published in the newsletter, please send a 35-word synop- (919) 821-9851 poems in literary journals and [email protected] anthologies, and she has won sis to C. Pleasants York David Rigsby is the author of poetry awards for Writer’s Di- at the address on the back page. We’d all love to hear The Dissolving Island, which gest, the Appalachian Writers’ about you. Dave Smith calls “a wonderful Association, and the Asheville collection of new poems…the Writers’ Workshop. Susan is a work of a raconteur of the freelance book editor (fiction spirit.” Along with Steven Ford and non-fiction) based in Hen- KUDOS ! Brown, David Rigsbee is the dersonville, NC. editor of Invited Guest: An An- Send kudos to the Corresponding Secretary. thology of Twentieth-Century BETTY TEW See the last page for the address. Southern Poetry published by 126 MONTICELLO AVE. University Press of Virginia. DURHAM, NC 27707 402-9472 MOLLY SANFORD [email protected] John Amen’s book, Christening the Dancer, 210 W. LAVENDER AVENUE was recently published by Uccelli Press. To DURHAM, NC 27704 CHRIS WATERS learn more about it, visit John’s Web site: (919) 220-8002 PO BOX 233 [email protected] SAUNDERSTOWN. RI 02874 www.Johnamen.com Molly is a resident of Durham (401) 294-4081 and a widow, on medical retire- [email protected] Poems by Katherine Russell Barnes have appeared ment since 1995. She is a gradu- A Wilmington native, Chris recently in Mature Years, Black Widow’s Web, and ate of UNC in journalism and splits his time between Hatteras The Blind Man’s Rainbow. She also has a poem ac- anthropology and received an and Rhode Island. He has pub- cepted by Lyric Recover, LTD, to be printed on the MA from the University of lished about 300 poems, includ- Rochester in anthropology. She ing those in two chapbooks, plus programs for the Lyric Recovery Festival at Carnegie is a former legal assistant and one forthcoming. In manuscript Hall on March 22, 2004. social science researcher who are “King Phillip’s Talking has worked most recently for Head. Amerindian Poems” and Jan Bailey has won the Elinor Benedict Prize from five years as a writer for the “Bestiary of Alfonso the Wise.” Passages North and the Sue Saniel Elkind Prize from Duke University News Service. Kalliope for her book Midnight in the Guest Room, She has one son at UNC-Greens- boro. Molly is now returning to published by The Leapfrog Press. “the novel.” NEW ADDRESSES Brenda Kay Ledford’s poem, “Forgotten Song” LIZA SISK MARY BELLE appeared in The Village Rambler. She has work CAMPBELL 1101 TIMBER TRAIL upcoming in Main Street Rag. ASHEVILLE, NC 28804 2625 ALCATRAZ AVE. (828) 254-4003 BOX #414 [email protected] BERKELEY, CA 94705 Main Street Rag Press will release Diana Pinck- After receiving her Ph.D in (925) 376-7278 ney’s third collection of poetry as part of their Edi- English, Lisa taught university tor’s Choice Chapbook Series. The collection is titled DIANNE R. MESERVE English, then switched careers to Alchemy and is available this spring from the author Marketing Communications with 209 WEST PACES ROAD Fortune 100 companies. Her MOORESVILLE, NC 28117 or the Main Street Rag Press Bookstore on-line. first chapbook, Four Months at (704) 892-6710 Sea: A Wholistic Experience, [email protected] Bill Griffin reports that the following Poetry Society was published in 2002. members had poems nominated for a 2003 Pushcart Prize. (Perhaps there are others? Let us know.) REBECCA GODWIN SMITH NEWS TO USE Nancy King for “Redemption,” published in Coal 2119 DAYTON DRIVE Do you have a writing WILSON, NC 27893 City Review, University of Kansas; (252) 291-9446 event or an opportunity Bill Griffin for “Mint,” published in Sweet Annie rtsmith@barton,edu you would like to publi- Review; and Rebecca Godwin Smith teaches cize? If you have fliers or Pat Riviere-Seel for “Road Trip Conversation,” English and directs the Sam and pamphlets, please send published by Main Street Rag. Marjorie Ragan Writing Center copies to C. Pleasants York at in Wilson, for new member packets. where she helps people discover Joanna Catherine Scott has won the first annual the joys of reading and writing (Her address is on the back Black Zinnias First Book Award for Poetry for poetry. cover.) New members are Breakfast at the Shangri-La. Lola Haskins was the SUSAN SNOWDEN talented and enthusiastic. judge. Joanna received $2,000 and her collection will 524 BELVIDERE COURT They love to know what’s be published by Black Zinnias, a new quarterly jour- HENDERSONVILLE, NC happening. nal and literary press. 28791

Spring 2004 7 North Carolina Poetry Society ‘Bring Sam Home’ to Weymouth

Friends of the late N.C. Poet Laureate and legendary newspaper editor Sam Ragan (1915- 1996) are heading up an effort to purchase a portrait bust of him for permanent display at the Wey- mouth Center for the Arts & Humanities in Southern Pines. The remarkable bronze likeness is by Gretta Bader of Alexandria, Virginia, whose work is in the National Portrait Gallery. Her many commissions include U.S. Senators William Fulbright, Frank Church, and Claiborne Pell. The bust of Ragan was on display during the Poetry Society’s winter meeting at Weymouth. “Sam sat in his office at the Pilot for this portrait,” said NCPS member and campaign co- chair Charles Blackburn, a Raleigh writer. “In the process, Gretta got to know him and was able to capture his spirit. That’s what strikes people most about this sculpture.” The artist was so captivated by her subject that she agreed to accept the commission on speculation. She recently had it cast in bronze at her own expense. “Sam had so many friends statewide in the arts, government, politics, and journalism, we’re optimistic their numbers will carry us to the goal,” said co-chair Marsha Warren, executive director of the Paul Green Foundation. A longtime Poetry Society enthusiast, Ragan was the state’s first Secretary of Cultural Re- sources and first chairman of the N.C. Arts Council. He was instrumental in preserving Weymouth as a nonprofit arts and humanities center and in creating the N.C. Literary Hall of Fame, which is housed there. Donations are tax-deductible. Checks should be made to the “Bring Sam Home Fund” and sent to Bring Sam Home, P.O. Box 2624, Chapel Hill, NC 27515. Contributors will be gratefully acknowledged in the program for a celebration at Weymouth once the goal of $25,000 has been met. For more information, call 919-547-5212 or e-mail Charles Blackburn at: [email protected].

1st Annual Writers’ Workshop for beginning and veteran writers of fictions and poetry

Saturday, April 3 Business Sciences Building Isothermal Community College (in Rutherford County, between Spindale & Forest City, NC)

Registration fee covers all sessions, refreshments, and a full lunch $10 before March 29 $15 after March 29

Presenters: Kathy Ackerman and Tom Tucker Linda Annas Ferguson, Tommy Hays, Susan Meyers, and Rosa Shand

For more information, call 828-286-3636, ext. 360 or 355

A note from the Newsletter Editor—This edition of the Poetry Society’s April newsletter was mailed earlier than usual because of a flurry of workshops/readings being held around the state. We hope you are able take advantage of the opportunities being offered. — PWW

Spring 2004 8 North Carolina Poetry Society Sam Ragan Poetry Festival Saturday, June 19 Weymouth Center I don’t know that I’ll write poetry on demand, but I would like to encourage North Carolinians to read and write poetry. I’ll be happy to do that. – Sam Ragan, in response to his appointment as North Carolina Poet Laureate in 1982.

Don’t Miss the Fun... You’ll be able to order a box ~~ Emily Hancock and her lunch, or you may bring your Old Time Band will again Dust off your straw hats, polish own. Come early and visit with provide music during the lunch up a favorite poem, and come friends, enjoy tea and coffee on break and will kick off the prepared to celebrate with mu- the patio, browse the book afternoon session. sic, poetry, and kindred spirits room and journal exchange, at the annual Sam Ragan Poetry then sit back and enjoy music ~~ , editor Festival on Saturday, June 19, with Ian Huckabee and of Pembroke Magazine, is the at Weymouth Center. In the friends. Ian was music coordi- afternoon’s featured poet and spirit of Sam Ragan, bowties nator for Sony recordings for musician. A unique poet who and encouragement will be pro- 10 years before he and his wife, makes the “local universal,” he vided. Outgoing Poetry Society Rosemary Holland, the admin- teaches and creative President Bill Blackley and istrative manager for Wey- writing at UNC-Pembroke. In outgoing first Vice President mouth, escaped New York City 1996 he and his wife returned Becky Mitchell have planned a life and moved to Southern to “Paul’s Hill,” the family full day of poetry and music Pines. farm where he grew up in Ben- with plenty of time for open son. His early influences in- mike readings woven through- ~~ Jim Clark , editor of Cruci- cluded his father, William Paul out the day. The day’s lineup of ble, will headline the morning Stephenson, a great storyteller, featured performers and guest session. His poetry readings and Hank Williams. “This poet poets reads like a “who’s who” include songs performed on the is to North Carolina what Dy- of NCPS members, friends and guitar, banjo, autoharp, and lan Thomas was to Wales. He supporters. mountain dulcimer. A native of is, for well or ill, in love with Byrdstown, Tennessee, Jim life,” wrote Kathryn Gurkin in This festival has grown into currently lives in Wilson, The Pilot. one of the highlights of the year where he is an associate profes- for the Poetry Society, and this sor of English and Writer-in- ~~ Ron Bayes, lifetime Poetry year promises to continue that Residence at Barton College. Society member, gives us a tradition of relaxed fun and His CD Buried Land is a won- “Pound of Poetry” with his fellowship. We want everyone derful, flowing collection of presentation on Ezra Pound. to have time to read, so please folk music, his poetry, and Bayes has been writer-in- limit your open mike reading to original song. residence at St. Andrews Pres- one poem/one page. You might byterian College in Laurinburg even want to use your open ~~ Charles Blackburn, Jr. since 1968. He founded the St. mike time to read one of Sam provides a tribute to Sam with a Andrews Review and the St. Ragan’s poems or tell a short reading and discussion of some Andrews Press and also estab- anecdote about North Caro- of Sam’s newspaper columns. lished the St. Andrews Writers lina’s “literary godfather.” He will also bring us up-to-date Forum. on the fundraising campaign to The daylong festivities will bring the portrait bust of Sam We’ll end the day with open begin at 9 a.m. with registration Ragan to Weymouth. mike readings until everyone and coffee and tea on the patio. has had a chance to read.

Spring 2004 9 North Carolina Poetry Society Elon University Poetry Day

When? Saturday, April 24, 2004 (9:30 a.m.--2:00 p.m.) Where? Elon University, Elon, NC What ? Readings by student winners of Colonnades literary journal and by guest poet, Dr. Kevin Boyle. Critique Workshop led by Kevin Boyle, lunch, and open mike.

Schedule: 9:30-10:00 Registration, coffee, and books for sale 10:00-11:00 Welcome and Readings 11:00-12:30 Critique Workshop 12:30-1:30 Lunch 1:30-2:00 Evaluation and OPEN MIKE

Registration and luncheon costs: NC Poetry Society member $25, Nonmember $35, Elon students: Workshop is free. Send one check for registration and lunch made out to NCPS to Leon Hinton, 4618 North NC 62, Burlington, NC 27217 by Friday, April 12. Also send one poem by April 12, to Janice L. Sullivan, 3805 Meredith Drive, Greensboro, NC 27408. Please bring 12 copies of your poem to the workshop. Need more info or directions? E-mail Janice at [email protected]

Dr. Kevin Boyle is an Associate Professor of English at Elon University. He has degrees from the University of Pennsylvania (BA), Boston (MA), and Iowa (MFA and PhD). His poems have appeared in Virginia Quarterly, Poetry East, Denver Quarterly, Greensboro Review, Northwest Review and others. His chapbook The Lullaby of History won the Mary Belle Campbell Poetry Award.

For more information or directions, e-mail Janice L. Sullivan: [email protected]

“Using Dreams in Your Poetry”

A workshop with Margaret Boothe Baddour

Chapel Hill Public Library Saturday, May 8, 2004 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Poet Margaret Boothe Baddour teaches creative writing at Wayne Community College. Her publications include Easy Magic and A Murmuration of Purrs. Baddour is past president of the North Carolina Poetry Society, a former winner of the Poetry Society’s Poet Laureate Award, and one of the founders of the North Carolina Writer’s Network.

Cost: $15 NCPS Members, $25 Nonmembers Bring a bag lunch. Drinks will be provided. To register, contact Margaret L. Parrish 919-929-6348 or e-mail: [email protected]

Spring 2004 10 North Carolina Poetry Society THE DISTINGUISHED POET SERIES

Walking Into April: Crooner and Conjure Woman April 10, 2004 Barton College, Wilson, NC Poetry Day at the Ragan Writing Center Featuring Distinguished Poet Shelby Stephenson and Jaki Shelton-Green

Walking into April is the second Eastern North Carolina Poetry Day at Barton College sponsored by the Poetry Society—a day celebrating poetry in the spirit of Sam Ragan. This year, it is our privilege to host the Gilbert-Chappell Distinguished Poet in harmony with our Walking into April event.

Poets for this year are Shelby Stephenson and Jaki Shelton-Green. The event will be similar to last year’s, with the addition of the Gilbert-Chappell Distinguished Poet series. An open mike session will conclude the day, so bring a poem.

Register by April 1 for this exciting day of poetry, which runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The day includes a lunch catered by Barton College. Register by sending a check for $8.50 for lunch. Make your check out to Barton College and mail to:

Katherine Barnes 1708 Mayflower Dr. Wilson, NC 27893

HAIKU HOLIDAY Saturday, April 24 (9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.) 600 Bolin Brook Farm Road, Chapel Hill

Come celebrate Haiku Holiday with the North Carolina Haiku Society. Experi- enced haiku teachers and poets will conduct workshops, talks, and walks. The event is open to anyone with an interest in haiku. There is no registration fee, but small donations will be gratefully accepted. Please bring a bag lunch. The guest presenter this year is Paul MacNeil, award-winning haiku poet and associate editor of The Heron’s Nest. Bolin Brook Farm can be difficult to find, so call for direc- tions: 919-929-4884, or e-mail Jean Earnhardt at [email protected] For more information, visit the North Carolina Haiku Society Web site: http://nc-haiku.org

Spring 2004 11 North Carolina Poetry Society Hello, Poetry Friends! Put this on your calendar now— Foothills Favorite Poem Project Sunday, April 25 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Foothills Arts Council Building, Elkin

This is the fifth consecutive year we have organized the FFPP in cooperation with the Foothills Arts Council. We invite all of you to read a favorite poem by an author you admire . . . read an original poem as well, if you wish , and enjoy refreshments and open mike in a festive setting. Each year, a dozen or more students from the local schools participate, elementary through college. Combined with the adults, we often have twenty or thirty readers, plus a number of family and friends in the audience. The Foothills Arts Council building is a historic home renovated to provide an intimate atmosphere. We hope you’ll consider joining us this April. Unannounced guests are welcome, but I try to print a program, so if you know you’ll be coming, let me know the title(s) of the poems you’ll read a week before the event. My contact information is on the last page of this newsletter.

See you soon! Bill Griffin

An event co-sponsored by the North Carolina Poetry Society…

Carl Sandburg Poetry Festival Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site Flat Rock, NC Saturday April 3, 2004

11:15 Keith Flynn reads from his works 12:30 Jhon Akers shares Sandburg’s love of the Spanish guitar 1:45 Public Poetry Share (registration required by April 2) 2:15 Poetry Workshop with Keith Flynn (registration required by April 2, or until full; 25 slots)

For more information contact:

Jill Hamilton-Anderson Education Program Coordinator [email protected] Phone: (828) 693-4178

Workshops In Your Area Do you know of a poet you’d like to critique your work? Would you like to meet with other poets in your area? Why not make both happen by being a poetry workshop coordinator? Workshop coordinators contact a guest poet and offer a workshop in their own town. It’s really not hard to do—it’s fun. If you would like to coordinate a workshop—or have ideas for one— contact Sue Farlow. (See back cover for contact information.)

Spring 2004 12 North Carolina Poetry Society Gilbert-Chappell of poetry, has a third due out Ballenger, Charlene Distinguished Poet Series this spring, and was named win- Bishop, Joann Update ner of the Fuqua Distinguished Bonemeyer, Jeff Educator award in 2003. John is Doyle, Lynn The first Distinguished Poet an associate professor of Eng- Frelinger, Joy Series reading was held March lish and creative writing at Wof- Gambil, Peggy 18th, 2004. Larry Wayne Johns, ford College in Spartanburg, Garrigan, Mary Distinguished Poet for the cen- SC. Place and wilderness have Gates, Nancy Gotter tral part of the state, read with been critical themes in John’s Gillen, Lee Ann his students at St. Andrews poetry, personal essays, and Gilyard, Jonathan Presbyterian College, in Laurin- fiction. He is also project direc- Green, Phyllis burg. On April 10, Shelby Ste- tor of the Hub City Writers Pro- Guighard, Lilace phenson, Distinguished Poet for ject and will teach a nonfiction Haynes, Molly, Callie, Maggie the east, will read with his stu- workshop this year at the Hub Henderson, Perry dents at the Walking Into April City Summer Writing Confer- Hice, Seigut event at Barton College in Wil- ence. Cathy will teach a poetry Hooper, Debbie son. The west region is work- workshop there. Both are inspir- Hudson, Marjorie ing on establishing a committee, ing teachers and poets who en- Hunicutt, Frank and they may have a reading in joy working together. They will Johnson, Tom the fall. More on this to follow. present the morning program Katrin, Robert The general guidelines for the and, after a break for lunch, Kemmerling, Paul Distinguished Poet Series are will read. An open mike will Lawlor, Brenda being reviewed at the May follow. Watch for more details Marshall, John Board meeting and will be made on the Poetry Society web site McCaskill, Elinor available to the public through and in the August newsletter. Merchant, Judith the newsletter and the Web site. §§ Neuman, Canrad If you are a student poet, or a Nordstrom, Mary Elizabeth poet interested in becoming a You got mail ? Penieul, Jerry Distinguished Poet for your re- A message from Bill Blackley Poole, Brenda gion of the state, please look for Rowe, Karen these guidelines, as they will Dear member: The Poetry Soci- Slater, Glenda provide details on how to apply. ety has recently begun e-mail Sotolongo, Joy contact with those of you who §§ §§ have e-mail addresses. We have used it to let you know of spe- NOTICE Mountain Gathering cial events. If you haven’t re- Saturday, October 16 ceived an e-mail from Bill Before sending material to the Mars Hill College Blackley in the last month, then newsletter, please make sure Mars Hill, NC we don’t have you correct e- to double -check the accuracy mail address. When we re- of all information—especially Save the date – the second an- cently sent e-mail to the names names, journals, book titles, nual “Mountain Gathering” will listed in the next column, the dates of events, etc. Cathy Smith feature poets message was not deliverable. Bowers John Lane. and The Please help us stay in touch Please send mailing address day-long event is cosponsored with you by sending your cur- changes to the Membership by NCPS and Mars Hill Col- rent e-mail address to Faye Chairs, (not to the Corre- lege. Cathy, writer in residence Dozier at: sponding Secretary). at Queens University of Char- [email protected] Thank you. lotte, has published two books

Spring 2004 13 North Carolina Poetry Society THE POETRY COUNCIL OF NORTH CAROLINA, INC. 2004 Rules for Annual Poetry Contest Opening Date : January 15, 2004 / Closing Date : May 1, 2004

For submission requirements, see the next page.

1. OSCAR ARNOLD YOUNG (book contest): 1st Place = $100.00 and trophy with name engraved, to keep for one year; 2nd Place = $50.00 Criteria: Book with 2003 copyright. Must have more than 20 pages. Two (2) copies and $10.00 en- try fee. Send to: Joy Acey, Category Manager, 1111 Monterey Valley Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27516

2. CHARLES SHULL (traditional poetry): 1st Place = $25.00, 2nd Place = $15.00, 3rd Place = $10.00 Criteria: Traditional form; 24 or fewer lines. State the traditional form chosen (e.g., blank verse, ballad, rhyming couplets, villanelle, terza rima, pantoum, ottava rima). No sonnets in this category. Three (3) copies and $5.00 entry fee. Send to: Rebecca J. Mitchell, Category Manager, 4379 Union Church Rd. McBee, SC 29101

3. JAMES LARKIN PEARSON (free verse): 1st Place = $25.00, 2nd Place = $15.00, 3rd Place = $10.00 Criteria: Free verse, including experimental forms; 32 or fewer lines, besides title. Three (3) copies and $5.00 entry fee. Send to: Sally Logan, Category Manager, 3701 Stoneycreek Rd., Chapel Hill, NC 27514

4. ARCHIBALD RUTLEDGE (14-line Shakespearean or Italian sonnet): 1st Place = $25.00, 2nd Place = $15.00, 3rd Place = $10.00 Criteria: Theme suited to form selected. Three (3) copies and $5.00 entry fee. Send to: Ellen T. Johnston-Hale, Category Manager, 4221 Lazy River Drive, Durham, NC 27712

5. GLADYS OWINGS HUGHES HERITAGE (free verse): 1st Place = $25.00, 2nd Place = $15.00, 3rd Place = $10.00 Criteria: Free verse, 32 or fewer lines. Subject to be “The Legacy, Tradition, or Inheritance of Fam- ily (wife, husband, parents, grandparents, siblings, or others)--how it shapes and influences our lives.” Three (3) copies and $5.00 entry fee. Send to: Katherine Barnes, Category Manager, 1708 Mayflower Drive, Wilson, NC 27893

6. CHARLOTTE YOUNG (elementary and middle school students; any subject or form): 1st Place = $25.00, 2nd Place = $15.00, 3rd Place = $10.00 Criteria: Entries from elementary or middle school students. Any subject, any form; 24 or fewer lines. Three (3) copies and $3.00 entry fee. Send to: Bill Griffin, Category Manager, 131 Bon Aire Road, Elkin, NC 28621

7. SAM RAGAN NORTH CAROLINA CONNECTION (high school and college students; rhymed or free verse): 1st Place = $25.00, 2nd Place = $15.00, 3rd Place = $10.00 Criteria: Entries from high school or college students. Rhymed or free verse; subject related to North Carolina; 24 or fewer lines. Three (3) copies and $3.00 entry fee. Send to: Ray Russell, Category Manager, PO Box 52, Fuquay Varina, NC 27526

Spring 2004 14 North Carolina Poetry Society Poetry Council of North Carolina...Guidelines, continued...

HONORABLE MENTIONS, CERTIFICATES, AND PUBLICATION In categories 2-7, three honorable mentions will be given, in addition to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards. Winning poets will receive a certificate and be expected to read at the Poetry Day Awards Luncheon (details below).

Selected poems from the winning books, along with 1st, 2nd, 3rd place and honorable -mention po- ems, will be published in the 2004 edition of Bay Leaves.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS WHO MAY ENTER: Residents and former residents of North Carolina--persons born in N.C., transients from other states who either attend school or work in this state, and N.C. residents tempo- rarily out of state.

HOW TO ENTER A POEM (categories 2-7): Entries must be original and unpublished. You may enter more than one contest, but with only one entry per category. You may not enter the same poem in more than one category. Please check the line limitations for each category, and note that you must indicate your chosen poetic form for the Rutledge and Shull categories. Category managers will disqualify poems that do not meet the stated criteria.

— Submit entries (3 typed copies) to the proper Category Manager. Do not send entries to the Contest Coordinator. Submissions will be accepted between January 15, 2004 and May 1, 2004. — Do not put your name on any copies of your entries. — Include with each entry a 3x5 index card with the following information (required in all categories, including the Oscar Arnold Young), either typed or printed: *Name of category you are entering *Title of poem or book and copyright date of book entry *Your name, mailing address, and telephone number *For the Charlotte Young category, include your date of birth . Also, write the honor statement “This is my own original poem,” and sign your name.

— Enclose the entry fee specified for each category. Make checks payable to: Poetry Council of North Carolina. — Keep copies of your entries. Poems will not be returned.

NOTIFICATION OF WINNERS: All winners will be notified by July 15, 2004. Winners will be expected to read their poems during the Poetry Day Awards Luncheon at Catawba College in Salis- bury, N.C., October 2, 2004. Further information will be included with the winners’ notifications.

Contest Coordinator: Nancy Adams, 245 Carrington Lane, Salisbury, NC 28146. If you write for additional information, please include a self-addressed, stamped, business-size envelope.

Please share these guidelines with literary groups, schools, libraries, and others.

Spring 2004 15 North Carolina Poetry Society Board members & committee chairs North Carolina Poetry Society is an all-volunteer organization

President Treasurer Judge Coordinator North Carolina Poetry Society Ann D. Garbett Bill Griffin Eleanor Brawley Organized in Charlotte – 1932 931 Green Street 131 Bon Aire Rd. Danville, VA 24541 Elkin, NC 28621 Pinesong Editors Meetings: The Society holds (434)797-5770 (336) 835-7598 Joanne Nelson regular meetings the third [email protected] [email protected] Celisa Steele Saturday of January, May, and Pinesong Dedication September. A day of poetry and 1st Vice President, Programs Members At Large Ann Garbett programs is held from 10 a.m. until Pat Riviere-Seel Jan Z. Hilton 1005 Marilyn Drive 931 Green Street 3 p.m. The Society also sponsors 107 Maple Drive Sam Ragan Poetry Festival Raleigh, NC 27607 Danville, VA 24541 on the Ashevilla, NC 28805 (434) 797-5770 third Saturday in June each year. (828)298-5413 (919) 833-0687 [email protected] All meetings are held at Weymouth [email protected] Book Citations Center for the Arts & nd and Rebecca Pierre 2 VP, Student Contests Carolyn Norris Humanities, 555 East Connecticut Margaret Parrish 129 NE 36th Street Avenue, Southern Pines. OakIsland, NC 28465 1109 Mordecai Drive COMMITTEE CHAIRS: Newsletter: The Poetry Society Raleigh, NC 27604 (910) 278-9232 Publicity [email protected] newsletter is published three times a (919) 828-6348 Position Open year, in April, August, and [email protected] December. Deadlines for article Long-range Planning Book Sales & Promotion rd submissions are the first day of 3 Vice President, Membership Mary Santiago Jan Z. Hilton March, July, and November. Guy and Carolyn York 2070 Campus Box 1005 Marilyn Drive Direct submissions to the 315 North Steele St. Elon University, Elon NC 27244 Raleigh, NC 27607 Corresponding Secretary. Sanford, NC 27330 (336) 278-5526 (919) 833-0687

(919) 776-7525 [email protected] [email protected] Membership: Rates are Student [email protected] $10, Regular $25, Lifetime $400. Poet Laureate Award Workshops Any interested person may join. Recording Secretary & Adult Contests Sue Farlow Dues are payable when joining Position Open John Ferree Asheboro High School and in May each year. New 4485 Fork Creek Mill Rd. 1221 S. Park Street Corresponding Secretary/ members joining after December 1 Seagrove, NC 27341 Asheboro, NC 27203 Newsletter Editor but before May 1 will be counted as (336)879-5337 336-625-6185 Priscilla Webster-Williams if they joined in May, and they will [email protected] Program Endowment (see NCPS return address, below) not need to renew their membership Campaign [email protected] until May of the following renewal Coordinators of 2004 Lois R. Wistrand year. Please send membership Contest Judges NOTICE checks (payable to NCPS) to Guy Adult Contests, Carolyn Norris Webmasters Before sending material to the and Carolyn York, 315 North Student Contests, Dede Wilson Ray Dotson newsletter, please make sure Steele St., Sanford, NC 27330. to double-check the [email protected] Brockman-Campbell and accuracy of all information— Book Award Earl Huband Are you moving? especially names, journals, Sara Claytor, Chair [email protected] Don’t forget to update your book titles, dates of events, etc. 1160 Buckeye Rd. address with Guy or Carolyn Elk Park, NC 28622 York. (address above)

Priscilla Webster-Williams Corresponding Secretary FIRST CLASS POSTAGE 6543 New Market Way 345 members as of April, 2003 Raleigh, NC 27615

Important Dates

April through May— workshops and readings

April 10 — NCPS at Barton College

May 1 — Poetry Council of NC Contest deadline (guidelines inside)

May 22 — Awards Day at Weymouth

June 19 — Sam Ragan Fest June 19

September 18 — NCPS meeting at Weymouth

SpringVisit our 2004 Web site, www.sleepycreek.org/poetry, maintained16 by webmasters Ray North Dotson Carolina and Earl Poetry Huband Society