FROM THE HOLLER TO THE SEA – Hurricane Helene Survivors Speak Out
From the holler to the sea—a revolutionary battle cry coined by T & chels from Rednecks Rising—speaks to a sense of widespread solidarity amidst ongoing global polycrisis. From Palestine to the mountains of Western North Carolina, we recognize our struggles are interconnected as we face the present challenges of climate catastrophe, resource exploitation, imperialism & genocide. In the following 18 chapters of poetry, prose, artwork & photography, survivors of Hurricane Helene recount their experiences and create a blueprint of survival for those who will be affected by catastrophe in the weeks, months, and years to come. Their words and images are as harrowing as they are inspiring—when everything we know washes away, we still have strength in community and the hope of building a brighter future. We still have our profound connection to the land and our shared desire to restore balance & harmony to our Earthly home.
“I Do Not Concede The Heart” – A Scribes Valentine Special
This Valentine’s Day, the Scribes are proud to present a collection of poems that speak to the theme I Do Not Concede The Heart. Our prompt was inspired by the closing line of the inaugural poem “Relinquish” by Dandelion Scribes editor Cari Lynne King. We asked poets near & far to interpret this prompt in their own way, resulting in a selection of poetry that highlights love, loss, hope, strength, growth, grief, belonging, acceptance, and perseverance. Whether centering romantic love, love between family members, or love as it pertains to matters of faith – these poems capture the honesty and authenticity of the poet’s heart, responding to the complexities of love as it takes shape in many forms. Keep reading to enjoy a beautiful selection of Valentine poetry, featuring the following poets: Cari Lynne King, Cheyanne Leonardo, Carson Elliot, Frances Denise, Blair Correll, Stephanie Duncan, Morgan Long, Brandon Thorpe, Jessica Zarrillo, Amber Sparks, Rylan Duncan, Arianna Slaven, Angelia Ross, Amethyst Drake, Olivia Gilreath, Chris Boyatt, and Mantis Osiris.
Angelia Ross publishes debut poetry collection, “Shadows of the Heart”
February 13, 2025 – Today is the day! Local poet & author Angelia Ross publishes her debut poetry collection, Shadows of the Heart. Described as “an Appalachian life in poetry,” this book has been a work in progress for nearly 35 years, beginning with the title poem written back in 1990, when Angelia graduated from McCreary Central High School. Since then, Angelia has continued to write autobiographical poetry about her life & family, as well as the natural beauty and history of the Big South Fork area. Keep reading to learn more about the brand-new book, enjoy a small selection of the author’s favorite poems, and find out how & where to purchase a copy of your own!
SPECIAL FEATURE: Poetry in the Boro
Imagine a place where all people are welcome, all humans encouraged to honor their creativity and share their hearts before a supportive audience of strangers, friends, and neighbors. Imagine a room full of artists celebrating each other’s differences, learning from each other’s experiences, and cheering each other on. Imagine watching a fellow poet go from scribbling down their first poem to performing at their first open-mic night to publishing their first book to leading creative communities of their own. This is exactly the creative haven Kory Wells—former Poet Laureate of Murfreesboro—has created with Poetry in the Boro! Founded in 2016, Poetry in the Boro has become a safe and encouraging place for poets to hone their craft, discover their voice, speak their truth, make connections, cultivate friendships, and develop a greater sense of artistic purpose.
DANDY DOUBLE: Featuring Cathy Socarras Ferrell & Miriam Calleja
Dandelion Scribes is proud to present a collection of poems from our newest DANDY DOUBLE: Cathy Socarras Ferrell & Miriam Calleja! Cathy and Miriam are a brilliant & beautiful pair of poets, collaborating and creating their way through life! Keep reading to get to know Cathy & Miriam, learn about their current projects & poetic inspirations, and read a selection of their favorite original works!
A Season of CHANGE – Appalachian Artist League Poetry Contest Winners
Dandelion Scribes is delighted to present 22 remarkable poems from the winners of the 2025 Appalachian Artist League Poetry Contest! Poets near & far were asked to produce an original piece of writing, centered around the theme of change. The result is a collection of powerful poetry that addresses personal, social, environmental, and spiritual transformation. Whether change is perceived as growth or regression depends on each poet’s unique perspective and individual circumstances. More often than not, change carries a sense of ambiguity, existing within a liminal space of positive & negative, light & dark. Each of the following poets have contributed an important statement in a larger conversation – one that requires honesty, vulnerability, and willingness to share. How do we deal with change, as human beings? What realities must we grapple with as everything around us shifts and fluctuates? Where do we find the strength to step into a brand-new world? And who can we count on for support when everything we once knew washes away?
PHILOSOPHER POETS
In a world full of confusion and deception, the philosopher poets seek clarity and truth. These curious and insightful souls are not afraid to approach the great ideas or ask the big questions—and what they discover, they render in poetry, so that we all may learn from their endeavor to understand, to open the mind, and to find the light. In 2025, the philosopher poets are alive and (mostly) well, probing the world with pen in hand and offering their creativity as guidance for other seekers. We are all fortunate to walk the path they forge with their words—brimming with discernment and divinity—and be inspired by their courage to cut through the dense forests of the mind, making sense of chaos & creation. Dandelion Scribes is proud to present this collection of 50 poems, written by 20 remarkable philosopher poets. May their verses lead us toward purpose, toward enlightenment, toward the torch of truth burning bright within our hearts.
New Year Announcements: Publication Opportunities, Poetry Contest, Upcoming Performance & more!
Check out all the activities we have planned to start off the year! Keep reading to find out more about each opportunity & how to participate. As always, we encourage writers of all experience levels to share their work and be part of our growing community of poets!
Kristen Reid publishes debut poetry collection, “Changeling”
January 1, 2025 – Today is the day! Local author Kristen Reid publishes Changeling, her debut poetry collection. Although this is her first book of poetry, Kristen is already known in the writing world for her prose. Her collection of horror stories, American Appetites: and Other Stories deals with a myriad of monsters that exist at the heart of American history & culture. Now, she brings her knack for writing terrifying, yet familiar monsters into her poetry, weaving them into the realm of the personal, and creates a relatable experience for readers who will certainly see their own hearts reflected in her words. As we enter into a brand-new year, Changeling is the perfect book to accompany you throughout the journey. Centering themes of reflection, growth & transformation, these poems provide insight and inspiration for anyone searching for the light within themselves during difficult and tumultuous times. Keep reading to find out more about the book and how to purchase!
A Scribes Holly-Day Special!
DECEMBER 20, 2024– Today the Dandelion Scribes honor our beloved local librarian, Mrs. Holly Daugherty. Mrs. Holly is the Director of Programs for children & adults at McCreary County Public Library, and she truly embodies the holiday spirit each and every day with her passionate, enthusiastic, and dedicated work in support of our local community. We have all been blessed to know her, learn from her, and be embraced by her never-ending warmth & encouragement! Here are a few odes to Mrs. Holly, as we declare this day in December a new national Holly-Day! Thank you, Mrs. Holly, for all you do for us! You are our hero, and we love you so much! We wouldn’t be here without you. You make us all feel seen and heard and held and loved.
Celebrate the Holidays with Hometown Poems!
Featuring the poetry and photography of over 100 authors and artists in and around the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Hometown Poems: A South Fork Country Anthology of Poetry captures a portrait of small-town life in the Appalachian Mountains, created by and for the people who call these woods home. Since its publication on June 23, 2023, this community-based, collaborative writing project has helped raise funds in support of local arts programs and individual local authors. This past year, Dandelion Scribes editors Cari Lynne King and Amber Sparks received first-time author scholarships to publish their debut poetry collections, thanks to the community support generated through sales of Hometown Poems. A third local author (and frequent Dandelion Scribes contributor), Angelia Ross, is the next scholarship recipient, set to publish her first book of poetry early next year.
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!
Dandelion Scribes
Born on May 15, 2024 ⚘
she’s a lovely yellow flower & she’s got teeth
