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February 24, 2008 • KR Blog • Uncategorized

Is That a Poem in Your Pocket or are You Just Happy to See Me?

By Tyler Meier

April 17th is just under two months away, which means you still have time to choose your poem for the Academy of American Poets “Poem in the Pocket” Day. If you need some help choosing a poem, jump to their site, where some good pocket-sized poems have been collected. Here’s a little history of the project:

“Poem In Your Pocket Day has been celebrated each April in New York City since 2002. Each year, city parks, bookstores, workplaces, and other venues burst with open readings of poems from pockets. Even the Mayor gets in on the festivities, reading a poem on the radio. For more information on New York City’s celebration, visit nyc.gov/poem.”

Don’t fret if you are stuck in Ohio (like me) or elsewhere–you are not excluded from the fun because you don’t live in NY! Organize your own events where you are (or will be). Volunteer your poem that day. Get your friends involved. Ask your bookstore to give a discount if people can produce a poem that they are carrying for the day. Pass out poems on your way to work/class/grocery shopping/rushing your taxes to your post office/band practice, etc.

I couldn’t resist some suggestions:

The particularly savvy may opt to purchase the 50th anniversary edition of James Wright’s The Branch Will Not Break from Wesleyan Press, all of which will fit in your pocket. Cut in miniature at roughly 2 inches by 3 inches, the whole book is reprinted in this appealingly transportable size.

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(image linked to purchasing page)

Additionally, the savvy may also venture over to Tuesday; An Art Project, a beautiful take on the more conventional journal format. Conceived as a complement to the growing proliferation of the web-based publishing of poetry, Tuesday is intended as a tactile experience. Wrapped in a beautiful heavy stock folder/envelope, the included poems are paired with a photograph and formatted to postcard, 5×7″ size. Purchase the latest, and you’ll have a fistful of poems to pass out on April 17th (as well as you’re own aesthetic experience opening the packet for the first time–I promise it is well worth it.)

About the Program

The Kenyon Review Associates Program provides Kenyon students with valuable experience in literary editing, publishing, and programming. KR Associates work closely with Kenyon Review staff, gaining valuable experience in a number of editing, publishing, and programming areas including manuscript evaluation, publicity and marketing, copy editing, developing web site and social media content, outreach programming, event planning and promotion, and other creative and editorial projects

KR Associates attend regular seminars conducted by Kenyon Review editorial staff, visiting readers, and publishing industry professionals. These seminars cover a wide range of topics including editorial philosophy, evaluation of submissions, print and electronic production, marketing, and design.

KR Associates also enjoy exclusive access to visiting writers and speakers, free issues of The Kenyon Review, and valuable work experience and employment references.

This program is made possible through an initiative of the Kenyon Review, part of the mission of which is to contribute to the enrichment of the academic, cultural, and artistic life of the Kenyon College community.

Requirements and Expectations

  • Submission Evaluation: All Associates are required to read and evaluate eight Kenyon Review submissions per week. Associates who are not able to complete their weekly submission assignments for more than two weeks in a row may not be allowed to continue in the program.
  • Trainings and Seminars: In-person attendance is mandatory at all trainings and seminars. We plan on scheduling six to eight seminars per semester, and most will take place on Thursdays during common hour.
  • Literary Engagement: Associates are expected to participate in literary events on campus and throughout the local community.

Application Details

Applications for the Associates Program are accepted each fall. Kenyon students will receive more information about the program and a link to the application via campus email near the beginning of the fall semester.

Questions? Please contact Jamie Lyn Smith for more information.

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