postal poetry contest extended

You still have time — until Dec. 15 — to get into the current Postal Poetry contest. Find details about it here.

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welcome to read write poem

Read Write Poem is an online gathering place for those who love poetry — and for those who suspect that, with a little nurturing, they could grow to love poetry. Whether you are new to writing poetry or have been writing for years, you are welcome here. If you don’t write poetry but love to read and discuss it, this is also the place for you. Read more about the project.


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read write poll

Tell us about your interest in publishing your poetry in literary journals: (Select all that apply.)

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participant-run journals, zines and sites


  • read write poem newsfeed

      Issue 3 of Ouroboros Review is live and includes the work of Dustin Brookshire, James Brush, Joyce Ellen Davis, Michelle McGrane and Carolee Sherwood!

      (Did we miss you? Tell us! Email news (at) readwritepoem (dot) org. Or send us your news!)

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      Dustin Brookshire's Queens of Poetry anthology submission deadline is Sept. 30. Go here for more information.

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      "W.S. Merwin join[ed] Bill Moyers for a wide-ranging conversation about language, his writing process, the natural world, and the insights gleaned from a much-lauded career of more than 50 years."

      He also read a great many of the poems from this year's Pulitzer prize-winning The Shadow of Sirius, published by Copper Canyon Press.

      This excellent program aired on June 26 and is well-worth the watch. Find it here, on PBS.

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      Dave Bonta wants to know: "Why do poets say 'O'?"

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      You can find a video of John Walsh reading "Gash" for Ouroboros Review here and look for a new issue very soon!

      Ouroboros Review is a biannual poetry and art magazine that will include three John Walsh poems in the upcoming issue.

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  • random
    poetry prompt

      A different word or phrase will appear here each time you visit the site or refresh the page. Your current prompt is — stink

  • random
    collaborating tip

    Visit a recent prose entry on another poet's blog. Find a poem in its text. (Be sure to ask permission first and then credit the other poet's musings in your final piece.)


  • random
    writing tip

    Visit an art gallery or museum (or even search on the Web) and find a painting of a person who intrigues you. Make up a history, a life story, or an event for that person and write a narrative poem about him or her.

  • random
    reading tip

    Reading poetry is better with a partner! Find a friend (online or in person) who has different poetry taste than your own and trade favorite poetry books with them. Not only will you learn more about your friend, you’ll learn more about the diversity of poetic styles.

  • random
    poetry quote

    Like species, poems are not invented, but develop out of a kind of discourse, each poet tensed against another’s poetics, in conversation. — Forrest Gander