The Heart of the Matter
A selection of honest, heartfelt poetry – and words that really get to the center of things – in 12 chapters by: Angelia Ross, Olivia Baker, Allison Baker, Cari Lynne King, Mantis Osiris, Brandon Thorpe, Dane Osborne, Frances Denise, Miriam Calleja, Cathy Socarras Ferrell, Amber Sparks, and Cheyanne Leonardo.
“The Haunted Pen” & Other Tales – Celebrating Spooky Season with the Scribes
A Halloween special, featuring 19 writers & artists: Olivia Gilreath, Mantis Osiris, Angelia Ross, Paula Dixon, Kait Quinn, Trent Sizemore, Brittany Troxell, Frances Denise, Miriam Calleja, Tyler Heflin, Cathy Socarras Ferrell, Dane Osborne, Brandon Thorpe, Kenneth Barclay, Mark Hargis, Elijah Ayers, Cari Lynne King, Amber Sparks, and Cheyanne Leonardo. Exploring monsters, ghosts, spooky season, and all things Halloween – through poetry, storytelling, illustration, and a musical surprise.
Odes to the Dogs
No one knows adventure and unconditional love quite like a dog. These canine creatures keep us focused on the most important things in life: fun, food, and friendship. They keep our hearts rooted in the rhythms of nature, and they communicate their emotions in a way that mirrors our own souls. Today, the Dandelion Scribes present ten Odes to the Dogs, in honor of our favorite, furry friends. Some of our muses are still with us, and some have passed on to roam the giant, grassy field in the sky. Whether here or there, these dogs are our truest loves, and their magic deserves to be known and remembered through this life & beyond.
Amber Sparks publishes debut poetry collection, “Supernova Soliloquies”
September 23, 2024 – Today is the day! Dandelion Scribes editor and local McCreary County poet/chemist extraordinaire Amber Sparks publishes her debut poetry collection. The book is called Supernova Soliloquies: From the Darkest Depths to Blinding Brilliance and explores the author’s life in two distinct chapters: The Black Hole and The Supernova. Moving from a world of darkness and deep suffering into a burst of healing and light and radiant energy, Amber takes us on a journey through her world of science & poetry, encouraging all who read her words to claim their rightful place among the stars.
Laura Clift publishes short story collection, “Written for a Friend”
September 18, 2024 – Today is the day! Frequent Dandelion Scribes contributor Laura Clift publishes her first book, Written for a Friend. The brand-new book is a collection of short stories that bridges the gap between faraway places, characters, and moments in time. Designed by Laura’s twin sister, Rachel Clift, Written for a Friend is a magical work of art from cover to cover. Read on to find out more about Laura, her new book & where to purchase a copy of your own!
“The Quiet Advancement of Fall” – Celebrating A New Season in Poetry
From the middle of a field in England to the mountainous forests of southern Appalachia to the great American cities of Philadelphia and Minneapolis—the Dandelion Scribes present a selection of poems in celebration of the season of autumn. Though we are separated by thousands of miles of land and ocean, living unique lives in different states and countries, we are all connected by the cycles of nature, the changing seasons, the movement of transition, and the deep need to witness our world through the practice of writing poetry. The Quiet Advancement of Fall, as Christian Ward says, is upon us, and we must be ready to treat nature as our teacher as we examine life, in flux. Photos by Stephen Phillips.
“To Find Green-Eyed God” – Exploring the Poetry of Nature
On this 16th day of August in the year 2024, the Dandelion Scribes present a selection of poems inspired by the natural world. Why should one endeavor to explore the poetry of nature? The final line of the inaugural haiku by Dane Osborne provides the answer: To find green-eyed God. We Scribes respond to the great mystery by searching for meaning. Our sacred quest entails keen observation of the infinite wisdom blooming all around us, acknowledgement of the ancient cycles that move life ever-forward, and a thoughtful application of our discoveries to our understanding of the world. Writing our way through the journey, we allow ourselves the space to make sense of the complexity, and we open a dialogue with our fellow humans about the beautiful home we all happen to share.
ARS POETICA: The Art of Poetry
On this Lion’s Gate, we Scribes present 18 poems about poetry, celebrating the art, craft, impact, and importance of writing. From healing to self-discovery, from holding grief to offering love – creativity gives us the chance to make meaningful connections within ourselves as well as with those around us. Poets have a special knack for turning loneliness into community and desperation into satisfaction. The true ‘Art of Poetry’ is alchemy. A rejection becomes an invitation; pain becomes pride; darkness becomes light. Where there once was nothing, a poem fills the void with something beautiful and purposeful. A few thoughtfully-written words can reach out and transform someone’s world, reminding us of all that we share and all that we are.
Cari Lynne King publishes debut poetry collection, “Ink-Stained Memoirs”
July 30, 2024 – Today is the day! Dandelion Scribes editor and McCreary County poet Cari Lynne King publishes her debut poetry collection, Ink-Stained Memoirs. Described as “A Poetic Journey from Heartsick to Healing,” this book highlights the therapeutic, healing aspect of poetry and the written word. If you’ve ever wanted to read someone’s diary, this book is your chance! Make plans now to join Cari and the Scribes at the McCreary County Public Library on August 17 for her official Book Launch party! This informal community event will last from 1-3pm, featuring a book sale & signing, brief poetry reading, and complimentary refreshments. Stop in as you can and help us celebrate a small-town girl’s dream come true!
The Poetic Underground of London, Kentucky
At the edge of the Daniel Boone National Forest, in the heart of southeastern Kentucky, one may stumble out of the wilderness into a little town called London. Home to a network of local writers, painters, and other so-called “eccentrics,” the community of London, KY, is made complete by its own artistic, poetic underground. Featured here are three poets who are part of that community – writing their way beyond the limitations of small-town life by turning inward and exploring the vastness of the human experience within the realms of mind and spirit. In the process, their poetry becomes philosophy, as their words never fail to address the burning questions of the human heart, ranging all the way from the mundane to the cosmic.
May My Own Words Heal Me
Dandelion Scribes presents a selection of poems that reveal the power of poetry in coping with the stress, trauma, and tragedy we must navigate throughout our lives. Facing fear, illness, depression, addiction, alienation and loneliness– such experiences are shared by virtually everyone in some capacity, yet so many suffer in silence. These 10 poets have turned to the written word to deal with life’s challenges and to summon hope and healing in the midst of confusion and despair…
DANDY DOUBLE: Featuring Angelia Ross & Chris Boyatt
Dandelion Scribes is proud to present a selection of poems from each of these remarkable poets. Their words offer a window into our shared world of poetry and birdsong, nature and faith, love amid great loss, and grief alongside gratitude. Angelia and Chris are two artists whose creations offer light & warmth to all who happen to cross their path…
Poems for the Strawberry Moon
Dandelion Scribes presents a selection of 13 poems to celebrate the rise of the Strawberry Moon on June 21, 2024. Read on to walk with us through our poetic reverie as we serenade the full June moon—seeking guidance, offering wisdom, confessing secrets, and standing in our power. Photos by Stephen Phillips.
Father’s Day Feature: Honoring the late Joseph Thomas Baker
On this Father’s Day, Dandelion Scribes presents a special tribute to the late Joseph Thomas Baker of Kentucky. Since his passing in 2011, the treasure trove of poetry he left behind has kept his memory alive in his family’s hearts. Read five poems authored by Joseph, with titles selected by his daughter Allison— and perhaps you’ll even be inspired to write a little something of your own. All photos courtesy of Allison Baker.
POEMS FOR THE REVOLUTION
Dandelion Scribes presents a selection of 26 POEMS FOR THE REVOLUTION by 16 revolutionary poets. This brave & beautiful multitude of voices is united in our collective battle cry, harmonized in our shared quest to forge a future defined by freedom, justice, and radical love. We advocate for the liberation of all people—from mind to body to spirit and beyond. And we are strengthened by each other’s courage to name our experiences, embody empathy, and cast a critical eye on the corruption we witness in our world. As scribes, words are our superpower. We are here, and we are not holding back! Cover photo by Stephen Phillips.
DANDY DOUBLE: Featuring Frances Denise & Dane Osborne
Our very first DANDY DOUBLE features two extraordinary poets who make their homes in southeastern Kentucky. Meet Frances Denise & Dane Osborne– walk with them through wild worlds of poetry, and experience the overlap between the personal and the universal, the present and the eternal. Both of these poets have mastered the craft of noticing, of zooming in with the mind’s eye, exploring the smallest details & movements of life, and weaving their words into masterpieces that address our deepest questions as human beings.
Poems for the Flower Moon
Dandelion Scribes presents a selection of 16 poems to celebrate the rise of the full Flower Moon on May 23, 2024. Join these poets who seek out the moon for wisdom & inspiration– and perhaps write a little something of your own to share with us in June! Cover photo by Stephen Phillips.
Introducing the Dandelion Scribes
Dandelion Scribes is a brand-new publication brought to you by a trio of poet pals hailing from the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area in East TN/KY. From the forest we all call home, we are honing our revolutionary voices, honoring our creative spirits, and sharing our words with the wide world– aiming to inspire others along the way!
Dandelion Scribes
Born on May 15, 2024 ⚘
she’s a lovely yellow flower & she’s got teeth