Poemeleon: A Journal of Poetry

Call for Submissions: Prime Time Poetry
http://www.poemeleon.org/submission-guidelines2/

Prime Time Poetry, like that sweet spot of the television lineup, seeks to connect with its audience, addressing the concerns of ordinary people in the clearest language possible. In some circles this might be called “accessible” poetry, but, to quote Claudia Emerson: “If we care about readers and all (and not just those in the academy), we have to give them a way into the poem.” This is not to say that we are looking for simple poems; in fact, Emerson goes on to say, “[W]e need to remember that clarity does not preclude depth. If our language is precise, our imagery clear, our metaphors original and well crafted, then we can indeed create poems that will reward a listener on being heard for the first time and also replay the astute close reader.”

We want work that is clear but not simple-minded, that is complex but not indecipherable, that sings, that stands up, that rings true. But, it must work equally as well on the page as on the stage; that is to say, we want the best work out there that represents the various poetries that make up what we are referring to as Prime Time Poetry. Like the proposed anthology by the same name (to see The Plumbline School blogpost about Prime Time Poetry google “modest book proposal norton anthology“) we are not looking for one type of poetry, but rather poetry drawn from any number of different poetry communities that have in common a desire to connect with, rather than shut out, potential audiences. Some examples: Charles Harper Webb’s Stand Up Poetry; David Kirby & Barbara Hamby’s Ultra-Talk; R.S. Gwynn’s & Kevin Walzer’s Expansive Poetry; The Poets Laureate, who “serve as the nation’s official lightning rod for the poetic impulse of Americans”; Performance & Slam Poetry; and Cowboy Poetry.

If the kind of work that you are doing might fit roughly into one of the above categories, send it on.

And if you have mp3s and/or videos of you performing your work, include those, too, please.

All submissions must come through our online submissions system. Please visit the website for complete details & instructions.

For general questions send a note to editor(at)poemeleon(dot)org.