For six weeks (September 13 to October 25), I will be participating in the “Raise Your Verse” fundraiser to support Mass Poetry. Along with a group of other Massachusetts poets, I’ll be writing poems while seeking donations.

Mass Poetry is a non-profit that believes words and their impact matter. The organization’s work extends from education for children to art around the city. I’ve chosen to be a part of this initiative to support the many great programs Mass Poetry offers, which you can read about here: http://www.masspoetry.org/ourprograms/ 

By sponsoring me you get to be part of this project creatively as well as financially, because… I’m taking requests! Each sponsor/donor can request something for me to use in creating a poem, such as a title, a theme, or a word. If you’re a fellow writer, you can give me a formal challenge (“write a sonnet, haiku, etc.”); if you’re a visual artist, you can give me an exphrastic challenge (“write in response to this painting, photograph, etc.”); if you’re a musician, you can give me a listening challenge (“write in response to this piece of music”). Based on what you request, I’ll write a custom poem for you. At the end of the project I’ll send you a signed copy of your poem, printed on cardstock paper and suitable for framing.

Contributions of any amount are much appreciated and will help Mass Poetry continue its mission to broaden the audience of poetry readers, bring poetry to readers of all ages, and transform people’s lives through inspiring verse. I hope you can join us in this campaign!

https://www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/mass-poetry-raise-your-verse