About

Poets Reading the News is a San Francisco-based publication bridging poetry and current events. Our purpose is to enact poetry’s vital cultural function as a processor for violence, cultural complexity, and political change, and as a tool for insight, hope and endurance. In a society overwhelmed by the headlines, we’re out to prove what we know is true: in times of darkness, poetry is essential reading.

Poets Reading the News was created in direct response to the gun violence epidemic. Our deep and fast-moving poetic coverage, dynamic event series, and teaching curriculum has helped redefine poetry’s place in the contemporary conversation. This is what breaking poetry looks like.

Publishing

We have published through our digital journal over 1,000 original poems by nearly 500 writers from around the world. This writing is urgent and extraordinary, tackling issues including politics, gun violence, global conflicts, immigration, climate change, technology, health and identity in real time. Our writers have included U.S. Poet Laureates, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists, and established, mid-career and emergent writers from over 25 countries. Our work has been featured on National Public Radio, KPFA, East Bay Express, AWP and at the New Orleans Poetry Festival.

Events

Poets Reading the News is known for producing events that connect poets and their writing with artists, cultural movements and community. Our rich history of events in the San Francisco Bay Area, as well as further afield in Texas, Louisiana and Vermont, includes readings and open mics, poetry installations, community dialogues, and panels, talks and workshops at festivals, conferences and writing centers. Explore upcoming events.

Editorial Cohorts

We are a dynamic space for emergent poetry editors interested in learning the digital ropes behind editing, literary publishing and digital media. Our associate editor program has welcomed dozens of editors into our fast-paced newsroom to gain hands-on experience in reviewing, discussing, publishing, creating open calls, and promoting poetry far and wide. Cohorts are announced through our newsletter and social media.

Curriculum

Part of the power of this genre of poetry is that creating it is possible for writers everywhere. To encourage the field, we have developed a curriculum that shares the art of journalistic poetry with learners and writers around the country which has been successfully taught in high schools, universities and writing groups. Are you interested in bringing Poets Reading the News to your space? Connect with us here to learn more.

Reader-Supported

Most importantly, if this work speaks to you, please make a tax-deductible one-time or recurring donation through our fiscal sponsor, Intersection for the Arts. Your contributions are vital to keep this poetry press alive and well. Read our cultural equity statement.