“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.
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.
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.
“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.
Dandelion Scribes
Born on May 15, 2024 ⚘
she’s a lovely yellow flower & she’s got teeth
