Rhode Island’s poetry scene has experienced notable growth recently, fueled by vibrant local voices and community engagement. For National Poetry Month, five key poets shared their perspectives on this revival. Salena J. Deane, founder of The Poetry Pour, emphasizes poetry as a means of personal authority and vulnerability. Vladimir “Vlad” Jean, an army veteran and founder of Afroverse, highlights poetry’s role as a cultural pillar that fosters community. Reese Landry credits poetry with helping her process emotions and connect with others, while Sandra Beth Levy, a retired psychologist and prolific poet, views it as a source of healing and truth-telling. Monica D. Vance combines poetry with mental health advocacy to encourage creative expression and emotional discovery.

The poets observe trends such as a focus on personal narratives, especially around previously taboo subjects like mental health, and a rise in DIY publishing, particularly among marginalized groups. They note poetry’s ability to unite diverse voices around themes of love, trauma, and social commentary. Looking ahead, they foresee poetry becoming more sustainable and integrated into broader community initiatives, with increased youth outreach and resistance to challenges like AI’s impact on art. Overall, Rhode Island’s poetry community is positioned for continued growth and deeper cultural influence.