My Chapbook Door, Door is now out!

I'm honored to announce my e-chapbook, Door, Door, is now available for FREE pdf viewing via Red Ochre Lit.

Click HERE to give it a read!

Door, Door is a 5-poem chapbook with a specific structure and theme and investigation (or so it seems to me).

I truly hope you enjoy it.

And do contact me (jswilliams1307@gmail.com) if you'd like a limited edition, signed and numbered, hand-made version of Door, Door. I only made 30 of them to provide at my readings, but I'd love for them to fly both near and far. Only $3 to cover the cost of materials.

From Colder Climates- my new chapbook

I’m honored that Folded Word Press has just accepted my chapbook, From Colder Climates, for late 2011 publication!

It will be published as a ‘Green’ print edition, which is a cost-effective and earth-friendly hand-made edition, as well in e-chapbook format. I’d like to thank the editors for their incredibly kind words and support.

Psychic Meatloaf Isse 3

Psychic Meatloaf has just accepted two of my newer poems for publication in Issue 3, due out online and in print April 2011. They were kind enough to publish my work in Issue 2 also, so I'm particularly excited to create a lasting relationship with the press. I'll let you know when the issue is out.

The 100th Monkey Studio art opening and reading

To kick off the opening of The 100th Monkey Studio's new art exhibition, Recycle Reuse, A. Molotkov, David Cooke, Bruce Greene, and I will be presenting our poetry, likely with musical accompanyment. Come by to check out the new exhibition, stay for the poetry...

When: Friday, April 1, 7-9pm
Where: The 100th Monkey Studio
110 Southeast 16th Avenue, Portland, OR

Young American Poets

My poem "Psalm Two" is now available at Young American Poets.

Click HERE to give it a read!

Accents Publishing

Accents Publishing has just accepted two of my short poems for inclusion in their new anthology! It will be both in print and online beginning later in 2011.

The Henniker Review

The Henniker Review, a journal of art and literature from New England College, has just accepted my poem "Traveling Through the Rust Belt" for publication in their 2010-2011 annual print edition! Details to follow when it's released.

Door, Door- My new chapbook!

I'm honored to announce the upcoming publication of my new e-chapbook! Door, Door is a 5 poem chapbook to be published in April 2011 by Red Ochre Press.

It will be available in a free online pdf format from the Press (click HERE).

I will also be hand-making a limited edition version of Door, Door, available soon. It will only be $3, simply to cover the cost of materials. Please let me know if you'd like one!

Symmetry Pebbles

Symmetry Pebbles, an online poetry journal for edgy, risk-taking poetry, has just published three of my poems in their latest issue, just out today.

Click HERE to read the poems!

Calliope Nerve

Calliope Nerve, an online venue for exciting, edgy poetry and chapbooks, has just published 5 of my poems. They're part of my ongoing, book-length series titled Controlled Hallucinations.

Click HERE to read them!

BluePrint Review

BluePrint Review, a online poetry and art journal in Germany, has accepted my poem "Overtures" for publication in Issue 27: Synergetic Transformations.

This piece was composed to be in conversation with an artistic piece created by Staci M. Cole, and both the artwork and poem will be published in this issue.

Last Monday Reading and Discussion

Here's the flyer for my upcoming reading/discussion in Hillsboro. Hope to see some of you there! Alongside the poetry reading, there will be a discussion about the process and perspective behind the process, a Q&A about publishing poetry, and an open mic!

Five Poetry Journal

Five Poetry Journal has just accepted three new poems for an upcoming online publication. The poems are part of my book length series titled Controlled Hallucinations, which use numbers instead of titles. However, the journal prefers titles, so time for some brainstorming...

I'll post when they're available for view...

This Week's Poem

The Torch

Be with me, Kabir,
when the gray clouds bring their far-away greetings
in that language of storm.

Translate upon my hardened fingers
what they have done, upon my heart
what it stubbornly loved.

Weave me a thin russet blanket
I can vanish into each night,
trek unseen the dream sands as a Bedouin,

with a torch I can call sun.
But keep its fabric lithe
so I recognize through it day’s light.

Tell me just enough of the truth
that I continue battling up the mountain,
just enough and no more

water, so I still thirst,
love, so I still desire,
shadow, so I still weep.



(published by Exercise Bowler)

Poetry Reading and Discussion at Multnomah County Library

A. Molotkov, Bruce Greene, and I will be presenting a poetry reading followed by Q&A discussion on the art of poetry composition at the Northwest Branch of the Multnomah County Library as part of the Third Wednesday series. Library contact info: 503.988.5560.

When: March 16, 2011 from 7-8pm
Where: Northwest Branch of Multnomah County Library
2300 N.W. Thurman Street
Portland, OR 97210

spokensong reading on Sunday, March 6

A. Molotkov and I will be reading at spokensong, a new monthly poetry and music event curated by local poet Rick J. I'm looking forward to trying out some new material, poems from my two ongoing book projects, and if you missed Tola's powerful reading last night at Blackbird Wineshop, this will be your chance.
I hope to see you there.

When: Sunday, March 6 @ 7pm
Where: Three Friends Coffeehouse, 201 Southeast 12th Avenue Portland