Call of the River

Submit poems to America’s River Roots.
Deadline is April 15.

America’s River Roots knows that poetry is deeply rooted in our culture. For National Poetry Month, OPA is collaborating with ARR, inviting poets to share their talents by submitted their work to the festival.

“America’s River Roots has had a poet working on the creative team for nearly a year to craft the story and soul of this festival,” says Holly Brians Ragusa, president of the Ohio Poetry Association and on ARR’s advisory board. “Through language we have explored and connected the various inlets and tributaries of this wide river festival to bring deeper meaning to the heart of this experience.”

With the help of poets from throughout the region, the festival is building a confluence of poetic collages that will appear on screens and in promotions leading up to and even during the festival.

“Poetry, like the river, flows into many, and often overlooked, aspects of our lives, and like the river we become accustomed to presence and forget about its impact,” says Brians Ragusa. “Poets have long expressed what others cannot, and this festival also seeks to do that; to cross currents of music, food and history into a vibrant festival experience with unquantifiable qualities that enliven us all.”

Looking for ways to bring more poetry into your life during April to celebrate National Poetry Month?

“There are boundless opportunities to engage with your new or known poetic side,” says Brians Ragusa. “All are welcome to Ohio Poetry Association events. If you are interested in reading more poetry, ask your local librarian or independent bookseller for recommendations, where you are sure to find poetry to fit your mood. The poem-a-day through Academy of American Poets poets.org.poem-a-day will fill your inbox with a daily supply!”