County Poetry: A Letter of Introduction

Hello, everyone. I have the honor of serving the citizens of South Carolina as the new president of the state's poetry society, known as the PSSC. The PSSC has been around for a hundred years, and we are getting cranked up for the next hundred. It has been a slow start to our grand re-opening birthday party because of the pandemic, but look out... we're ready now. Our previous president, Jim Lundy, gifted the state with a history of the society's first century, and we are looking back and learning in order to honor our predecessors but also to move forward in the spirit of poetry for a new generation. Jim isn't going anywhere; he has agreed to remain on the board and help steer the ship, and for that I'm grateful. I also appreciate and respect all continuing members of the board and look forward to supporting their individual talents and skills.

Generate: to create and distribute vitally and profusely. That's the one word I'm leaning into today as I plan my first actions as president. I will be traveling the state, speaking where I am welcome, and discovering poets old and new who would like to join the fold. Poetry in every county, and every county represented in the PSSC --- this and only this will satisfy me.

So, poets, where are you? Where do you live? What libraries, museums, historical societies, schools, and pubs can I visit to bring you a word of encouragement and welcome? How can we partner with your counties to permeate the Palmetto State with a barrage of poems?

Let's have a shout out to Abbeville County, first on my list of kettles to pour from and sips to sort out. I've mapped out an excursion that takes me from Elgin, my home, to Calhoun Falls, Abbeville, Ware Shoals, and Honea Path, and any shed, saloon, saddle, or station that may play host. I'll take five minutes of your time, or more if you like. Want to read me a poem? My ears are tuned. Want to hear me go on about some of my favorite poets and poems? Sign me up and send me your locale. No place is too small. 

Your porch will do, and thank you.

Tamara Miles