July has been a milestone month in the series of my poetry readings at public events. This month I was thrilled to be part of the 10th Annual New York Poetry festival along with my group “Thursday Morning Poets” on July 24, 2021. Thursday Morning Poets group has been curated by the Queens Poet Laureate, Maria Lisella during the pandemic. I was thrilled to share the stage with my #TMPPoets siblings. If you want to know more about us. Here is the link
The festival was organized at the scenic Governors Island in NYC by the Poetry Society of New York. I read two of my poems from my upcoming chapbook and full-length collection and was elated to meet my literary heroes in person. The day peaked in ecstasy when Kaveh Akbar stayed back for my poetry reading and shared his thoughts about my poem. It was a pure fangirl moment for me. I also met Terrance Hayes, Dr. Ravi Shankar, David Dephy, Roxanne Hoffman. Meeting friends after a lockdown period of 14 months was a blessing.
In addition to the public reading of poetry, my poem was also displayed in Berry lane Park in Jersey City as part of the public Walk_Bye exhibit “The Women” curated by the founder Catalina Arunguren. I was also thrilled to share the advance reviews of my upcoming chapbook ” My Body is Not an Apology” written by various friends and mentors in the literary community. I’m immensely thankful to them for sharing their thoughts about my work and spending their time with my little bits of creation. I was also chosen as a featured writer for the London/Berlin-based Ekphrastic Journal Visual Verse and honored to share the space with other fellow writers.
Some notable publications for this month included OddBall Magazine, 25th Annual Poetry Ink anthology by MoonArts Centre, I was also thrilled to see the media mention of the New York Poetry festival; in many places including Poets.Org, Philadelphia Inquirer, Queens Gazette, NJ Arts Maven, Yelp and many more.
I’m elated to share the space with eminent poet and activist Sonia Sanchez and Toi Derricott in the anthology by MoonArts Centre.
Finally, the month closed with the author revealing a video of the upcoming anthology “Reimagined Aeronca” by Vagabond Press. The anthology has been curated by Mark Lipman and has a striking line of poets including The anthology has been curated by Editor Mark Lipman and the sterling lineup of the poets include Louis J Rodriguez, Thelma T. Reyna, Mark Lipman, Matt Sedillo, Coco, Jeffery Martin, Michael Rothenberg, Dean Okamura, Chad Parenteau, Jerry Pendergast, Edward Vidaurre, Carl Stilwell, Mike Sonksen, Dee Allen, Richard Modiano, David Dephy, #USPoetLaureate Joy Harjo, Yours truly and many more.
July has certainly brought joy to this little poet. Looking for more joyous moments in the coming month.
1. Author reveal video for the upcoming anthology ” Reimagine America” by Vagabond Press featuring Joy Harjo and many others.
Author Reveal Video for the upcoming anthology “Reimagine America” by Vagabond Press
Megha's World 