Poetry anthologies hold a unique space for witness through the impossible art of poetry. Gathered poems, diverse yet connected, carefully arranged. Behind each poem, find a poet gleaning insights and inquiries on the human condition, bringing experiences and sorrows and hopes to life, all in a linguistic framework that can never quite capture the thing complete but somehow says the unsayable despite itself. The anthologies Had I a Dove (Redhawk Publications) and Sunflowers Rising: Poems for Peace (Buster Bodhi Press) bear witness to specific events and broad ideas. Their purchases support two disparate causes for peoples an ocean apart.
In the Path of Destruction
Late last September, as Hurricane Helene approached the Florida coast, I was visiting family. In Florida. With predictions of landfall in Florida and a retreat northward along my path home to Tennessee, I cut my visit short to get ahead of the storm. I left with my Florida people in mind, some of whom were then centered in the prediction cone. I expected on the northeast Tennessee end of Helene’s path some heavy rain.
When I moved from Florida to Tennessee in 2007, I consoled my loss of coastal time with the majesty of mountain scapes … and the lack of threatening hurricanes. Then on September 27, 2024, Helene’s waters came rushing into our already water-logged region, wreaking devastation that shifted my thinking about the kind of damage a hurricane can do, and where. I’d seen hurricane destruction first-hand before, mostly on the Gulf’s barrier islands: how water moves nature and man’s most solid creations as if they were featherweight. Boats floated down roads or settled on tree branches. Buildings breached. Highways crumbled or cut clean open. A beloved, mountainous dune flattened.
In the heavily forested mountains of my corner of Appalachia came the pulling away and tearing apart of river shore, trees, homes, businesses, bridges, highways, interstate. Lives. The rising water carried its debris-infused self to the places water gathers and moves: shallow creak beds, lakes, low-lying land, and all manner of local rivers until the flow of water gathered at inflection points, dams taxed with holding back water in some cases exceeding the power of Niagara Falls. I encountered a new aspect of a hurricane’s force: a 100-year flood bearing unexpected devastation in rainfall and its flow from mountain peaks to vales.
A year later, affected communities still face significant needs. While some areas have recovered almost completely, others still dealing with aftermath. Some have experienced total loss and forever displacement, while others are still rebuilding. You can help them.
Had I a Dove
The anthology Had I A Dove (Redhawk Publications) features 80 Appalachian poets responding to the Hurricane Helene Flood of September 2024. Proceeds from the book will support Hurricane Helene relief efforts, offering both art and tangible aid to those most affected. Some tremendous poets have contributed (too many to name)! I’m thrilled for friends and fellow Poetry Society of Tennessee members whose poems are included: Danita Dodson, Patricia Hope, and Sherry Poff.
This is a book worth a purchase and a read. How to Buy.
In the War Zone
One can perhaps argue whether the Ukraine-Russo war began in 2022 or if that year marked a broadened expansion of a smaller, older war begun via incursions in 2014. Regardless, the war has irrevocably altered the lives of Ukrainians, including many of the country’s children. Poets for Peace, a collective of poets, has put words to work in service to Ukraine’s orphans.
Donations and purchases of Sunflowers Rising: Poems for Peace (Buster Bodhi Press) have made possible trauma treatment equipment and other equipment to support education, physical development, and emotional well being for the increasing number of orphans in Ukraine.
Their current project is to help a specific orphanage for children up to 4 years old by adding an elevator to their facility. The lift will enhance transportation and mobility of orphans with disabilities, a need growing as a result of war-related injuries. UPDATE: I’m thrilled to share that some Ukraine funds have been located for the elevator project.
Sunflowers Rising proceeds will now be used to provide much-needed furnishings for an orphanage for orphans aged 4-18, from carpeting and bedroom night stands to chairs and playroom furniture.
Your purchases of Sunflowers Rising are making a difference: Thank you. Poets for Peace continues to work with Ukrainian poet Ihor Pavlyuk to identify projects for orphanages across Ukraine. Learn how you can help.
More Poetry
Want to explore more poetry? In October, Emerald Coast Review showcases writers in northwest Florida. (You’ll find some of my work in it!) Look for more on this review in future, including a launch event on October 25, 2025. In the meantime, try Awake in the Sacred Night: Poems and Stories, a collaborative collection from Florida-based Lori Zavada and Claire Massey. Or Instars, the latest collection from Deborah Zenha Adams. Or Nameless as the Minnows, by Connie Jordan Green. And you can always head over to the ever-growing Poetry Society of Tennessee bookstore here and see why we say #poetryisalive in Tennessee.