Greenville Unveils “Southern Voices”: A Celebration of Southern Poetry and Personal Stories

Greenville Celebrates the Power of Poetry with New Anthology

Greenville, South Carolina is buzzing with excitement over the release of a brand-new poetry anthology that dives deep into the heart of the South. Titled “Southern Voices,” this collection features the words and sentiments of 50 Southern poets, taking readers on a journey through rich landscapes filled with life, culture, and unique personal stories. The anthology hit the shelves back in August, and folks are still raving about it!

The talented duo behind this inspiring project, editors Tom Mack and Andrew Geyer, brought together poets from all over the Southeastern United States, encouraging them to embrace the concept of “place” in their writing. Each poet within the anthology was instructed to draw from their own backgrounds and experiences, creating personal connections to their surroundings.

Giving a Voice to Unique Stories

For Greenville’s very own poet laureate, Glenis Redmond, exploring her roots has been an essential gateway into her writing. Redmond pinpoints how the land is intertwined with her family’s history. Her contributions to the anthology include touching poems about her ancestor, the vaudeville tap dancer Peg Leg Bates, who shaped the rhythm of her life in the Upstate.

“We’re impacted by our environment, especially those of us who were raised in families with slavery lineage,” Redmond explains. “You can’t talk about the land without talking about the people.” In her poem “There’s no Sharing in Sharecropping,” she reflects on the painful histories of African American laborers and their struggles through the generations.

Beautiful Imagery and Emphasis on Nature

Poetry in the anthology also captures the beauty and diversity of nature within the South. Libby Bernardin from Georgetown writes beautifully about the coastal Carolina marshlands that have surrounded her life. In her poem “The Immensity of Small Things,” she highlights the way nature breathes life into her writing, inspiring vivid imagery with lines about the memorable oak trees she grew up admiring.

Other poets echo similar sentiments, reinforcing the idea that Southern poetry is deeply connected to the land. For example, Ed Madden, one of the anthology’s featured poets and former poet laureate of Columbia, shares a poignant moment in time when caring for his partner post-surgery influenced his work. “The South is such a varied place,” he says, “and our poetry illustrates that variety beautifully.”

A Celebration in Columbia and Greenville

The excitement around “Southern Voices” continues to grow as Mack and select South Carolina poets, including Redmond and Bernardin, prepare for a special reading event at All Good Books in Columbia on November 14 at 6 p.m. Following that, Mack will join other poets at M. Judson’s in Greenville on November 25 for another inspiring outing. Both events are expected to draw crowds who want to feel the pulse of Southern literary culture.

Poetry as a Path to Understanding

The anthology not only showcases stunning poetry but also highlights the importance of sharing personal stories. Mack notes that as the South has become more diverse, the themes covered in poetry remain relevant while perspectives broaden. “The land is full of stories,” Redmond insists. “And the more people tell their stories, the more vantage points you have of a place.”

As Greenville embraces its vibrant poetry scene, both seasoned and budding poets alike are eager to engage with these narratives. By reading “Southern Voices,” the community not only celebrates its past but also builds bridges for a deeper understanding of their home.

So, whether you’re a poetry lover or just curious about the tales woven through Southern landscapes, grab yourself a copy of this extraordinary anthology and dive into a world rich with words, culture, and heartfelt connections.