This month is National Poetry Month. The tradition began in 1996, and since that time, publishers, magazines and bookstores have spent the month devoting special attention to poetry. For several years, Ozark Poets and Writers Collective has celebrated National Poetry Month by honoring the talent of the community, featuring writers from the Fayetteville High School Literary Magazine, Connotations.
The Connotations staff will step up to the mic at 7 p.m. on April 24 at Nightbird Books.
Former FHS English teacher Judy Gregson Schwab founded Connotations in 1984. Thousands of students have contributed works of art, poetry, fiction, nonfiction and music for publication in Connotations over the years.
In 2011, the magazine won the Silver Crown Award from Columbia Scholastic Press, which is the highest award given. Connotations also won the Highest Award from National Council of Teachers of English. It also was named a Pacemaker by the National Scholastic Press Association, and named All Southern by the Southern Scholastic Press Association.
The magazine’s theme this year is Serendipity. It’s a spread of poetry, fiction and visual art, and in past years musical CDs have been part of the magazine.
The reading — along with the usual open mic, with a four-minute time limit for each participant, and Brick House Kafe’s offerings of delicious snacks and libations — guarantee a rewarding close to National Poetry Month.
Get out of the house. Bring your poetry and shout it out. Or, just listen up. There’s power in words. Ozark Poets and Writers Collective continues to celebrate that power the last Tuesday of every month except December.
