Only Flying

Brook Bhagat

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Only Flying is a Pushcart-nominated collection of surreal free verse and prose poetry that celebrates transformation and paradox, exploring both the silence of the seeker and the outrageous wilderness of the imagination. Thematic threads like rebellion, enlightenment, risk, courage, love, loss, and triumph dance with pictures swinging from dark to light, surreal to whimsical, and strange to familiar. There are intimate goddesses here, black widows, buddhas, alley cats, a kangaroo, and magic pants—blacklight-blue Hendrix flares that hang from a fire escape, just waiting for the right person to jump up and steal them. That person is you.

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Exploring Ecopoetry: “A Day at the Lake” Published on A Story in 100 Words

Brook Bhagat

I’m happy to share that my prose poem, “A Day at the Lake,” was published on A Story in 100 Words. The piece was written in a fantastic workshop on Ecopoetry led by poet brice maiurro at the Castle Rock Writers’ Conference, which I attended with several members of the Nearby Universe in August. The poem appears here on A Story in 100 Words: A Day at the Lake

“I Remember It Was Called an Ash, the Baby Tree That Was” Published in Bite More, Smash More: Red Ogre Review’s 2024-2025 Anthology

Brook Bhagat

I don’t write a lot of trauma poetry, but “I Remember It Was Called an Ash, the Baby Tree That Was” wanted to come into the world. I hope it does some good, somehow, and I hope the little girl I wrote it for is ok, wherever she is. The collection features dozens of poets, ranging from exciting new voices to multiple major prize winners, prestigious grant and fellowship recipients, Poet Laureates, and well-known names. Bite More, Smash More: Red Ogre Review’s 2024-2025 Anthology is the fourth book in the series from Red Ogre Review. It was released on November 30 and is available now on Amazon.

“Wanderstar,” a Tribute to Andrea Gibson, Forthcoming in Anthology

Brook Bhagat

I am proud to share that my poem, “Wanderstar,” is forthcoming in the 40 West Arts District anthology Progress, not Perfection. “Wanderstar” honors Colorado Poet Laureate Andrea Gibson, who died of cancer last summer. The anthology includes a special subsection of poetry dedicated to Gibson, each one written after a different poem of theirs. “Wanderstar” is written after Andrea Gibson’s Orbit.

I learned about the unique poetry writing prompt and opportunity in a workshop facilitated by 40 West Arts District Poet Laureate Marissa Forbes at the Castle Rock Writers’ Conference in August. Truly, it is a small Nearby Universe after all!

I will be reading “Wanderstar” at the anthology launch party from 3-6 pm on Saturday, December 13, at Mint & Serif, 1388 Carr St. in Lakewood, CO. Progress, not Perfection can be purchased using the online order form, and all preorders receive 10% off. Please join us for this unique opportunity to celebrate Andrea Gibson and this amazing collection!

Celebrating Poetry and Community at Queer Lit Night

Brook Bhagat

The bravest poems are magic. When spoken aloud, they make our armor disappear in thin air. They open our eyes and hearts. Then the next heart finds a voice, and the next. Queer Lit Night, at the PPSC Learning Commons last month, was that kind of magical poetry reading.

The evening included poetry from visiting authors Ashley Cornelius and Nico Wilkinson, faculty members Kenny Idleman and me, and students and community members who shared on the queer open mic. It was an experience of beauty, art, and community I’ll never forget. Thank you so much to everyone who came and helped make it possible, especially Ashley, Nico, Dean Deidre, Cecilia Kruger, Rotimi Ariyo, Laurie Anderson, Amie Sharp, Emily Forand, and Sharon Bjorkman and the Queer Empowerment Club.