Illinois State Poetry Society

To join ISPS through June, , please fill out our Membership Form and mail it with a check for $20.00 ($30.00 for "Patron" listing, $50.00 for "Benefactor" listing). You don't have to be an Illinois resident to join ISPS, but you do need to be an ISPS member to have your poems posted in this website.

A Message from the ISPS President, September/October, 2023

by Mary Beth Bretzlauf, ISPS President

Hello Fellow Poets!

I'm writing this letter on one of our hottest days in memory. Even in this extreme heat I'm seeing and feeling the signs of autumn moving in. The cooler evenings, condensation on the windshield in the mornings and a few maples are showing their colors.

Fall is my favorite time of year and I have so many poems dedicated to the season. Not only is nature an inspiration for me, but so is art. I love being presented with a work of art and unveiling its story.

I recently ran an ekphrastic workshop in Waukegan and for the dozen or so poets, they found so many stories to tell in one work of art! Two women who proclaimed to not be poets, but were curious, wrote lovely poems. Their excitement at what they accomplished was contagious!

Earlier this year ISPS members were invited to write a piece in response to artwork created by the Downers Grove Artist Guild. In August, when the two creative groups met to share their work, I met a newer member, Christopher Kuhl. After the event, I had a chance to introduce myself. Christopher said he was so happy to be a member for opportunities like these.

It's making connections like this that reminds me despite the solitary moments in the life of a writer/poet, connecting on that same level is energizing and inspiring. For that reason, I'm even more excited to meet all of you wonderful creatives!

ISPS returns to Printers Row! This year, we are joining Poets & Patrons and East on Central Association to shake our peacock feathers as it were. If you're in the vicinity of Printers Row Lit Fest, Saturday and Sunday, September 9th, and 10th, please come by to say hello! If you have some time available to volunteer at the table on Sunday, please contact me at isps.manningham@gmail.com.

Remember, time spent with other poets is never a waste of time!

Regards,
Mary Beth Bretzlauf

Archive of Presidents' Messages

"Last Sunday" Poetry Reading, September 24, 2023

ISPS and Brewed Awakening will host another special poetry reading and open mic on Sunday, September 24, 12:30-2:00 PM Central Time. Mary Beth Bretzlauf, who was recently elected President of the Illinois State Poetry Society, and Karen Forslin-Bojnansky, who has studied poetry under Mardelle Fortier, will both appear in person. You may participate via Zoom or by going to Brewed Awakening (19 W Quincy Street, Westmont, Illinois; just off Cass Avenue, across the street from the METRA station). There is a $12 cover charge, which entitles you to a beverage and snack. The link for Zoom tickets, which can be purchased for $5, is here. You may participate in the open mic either way.

Mary Beth Bretzlauf lives in the northeast corner of Illinois where she is grateful for the four seasons and the many inspirational groups of poets and writers who have been so supportive. In addition to poetry, Mary Beth writes fiction. She belongs to several poetry and writing groups. She is currently a board member of East On Central Association, a member of Poets & Patrons, Zion Writers' Guild, Writers in Progress, Highland Park Poetry's Live Events Team, and the Illinois State Poetry Society where she serves as president and North Chapter facilitator.

Karen Forslin-Bojnansky lives in Lisle, Illinois. She has written songs, poems, non-fiction stories and a memoir that is being copy edited. Many of her musings have been published in College of Du Page's literary journal, Prairie Light Review. She is a long time member of a writers group that was conceived in Mardelle Fortier's creative writing class at COD. Currently, she is working on her second book that chronicles her spiritual experiences while participating in Native American Ceremonies, titled Listen, God's Whispering.