Tag: LGBTQ+

“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!

Three prose poems published on A Story in 100 Words

Brook Bhagat

I’m proud to share that three of my prose poems have been published on A Story in 100 Words. “For Yulia Navalnaya” is a tribute to the widow of Russian opposition leader and freedom fighter Alexi Navalny written on the occasion of Navalnaya’s husband’s death in prison. The same day, from exile, Navalnaya vowed to Vladimir Putin that she would continue to fight for freedom and human rights, leading the movement in her husband’s place.

“You Are Fine As You Are” began, as many of my 100-word stories have, as a work email– an invitation to my writers’ group, The Nearby Universe. “‘There Is A Light That Never Goes Out,'” a tribute to the best Morrissey song ever written, began in a dark car an eternity ago, but was polished up to publishable in workshop with the group. I am so grateful for their help and camaraderie!

Slamming Poetry and Facilitating a Surrealism Workshop at the Pikes Peak Poetry Summit

Brook Bhagat

The 3rd annual PPLD Pikes Peak Poetry Summit created by our fabulous Poet Laureate Ashley Cornelius was awesome! I was honored to be invited to facilitate a Surrealism workshop, where we discussed the movement in literature and art and had a blast playing classic Surrealist games like the Exquisite Corpse. I had so many participants that people had to sit on the floor! Later, I participated in my first poetry slam and connected with so many beautiful people, including the amazing poet Nico Wilkinson. We had over 100 attendees– What an incredible day!

with Poet Laureate Ashley Cornelius
slamming!
with poet Nico Wilkinson