Verse Wisconsin Seeks Protest Poetry

Verse Wisconsin is currently seeking poetry submissions for their online issue, which will be published this fall. Verse Wisconsin’s commitment to community led them to theme the issue around protest poetry, and titled it “It’s Political.”

The recent political conflict in Wisconsin promotes questioning what role poetry currently has, and what role poetry can play in the public square. Verse Wisconsin wants poets to move beyond assertions and absolutes and place themselves in the moment, current or historical, with all its struggles and complexity.

Whether involved in the protests or not, poets are asked to put pen to paper (in itself a political act) and send in their poetry that addresses politics and the public square.

More specifically, they are looking for poetry that challenges whether poetry has a right, and a responsibility, to take part in larger public debates. Poems can be written, spoken, visual or a hybrid; thoughtful prose about poems in the political sphere will also be considered. Rants, harangues, or hate speech will not be accepted.

Submissions will be accepted until May 31. If interested, send three to five poems via email to [email protected].

For more information visit http://www.versewisconsin.org