Tag: Pikes Peak State College

“Ghazal for End Times” Featured in South Broadway Press: Autumn 2026 Edition

Brook Bhagat

I’m proud to share that my poem, “Ghazal for End Times, or, How to Stay Cozy in the Apocalypse,” has been published in South Broadway Press’s Autumn 2026 issue!

I read this poem live at the Coyoetry series through Concrete Couch, at PPSC‘s Queer Lit Night, almost a year ago, and again at the Arapahoe Community College Literary Festival in February, and began sending it out for publication. South Broadway Press is an independent publisher based in Denver that is known for publishing “weird, gorgeous, and revolutionary poetry,” and I’m thrilled to see my work finally find such a fierce and beautiful home.

South Broadway Press informed contributors that the press received over 800 submissions to the four online editions this year. Only 45 poems were accepted, placing “Ghazal for End Times” in the top 2% of submissions. The poem took over a year to write, and I am grateful to the members of my writers’ group, The Nearby Universe, whose feedback was invaluable in revising it. Read it here: “Ghazal for End Times, or, How to Stay Cozy in the Apocalypse”

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.

Literary Reading and Grand Opening Celebration for the PPSC Authors Collection Features Poet Laureate

Brook Bhagat

A lovely time was had by all at the literary reading and grand opening of the Pikes Peak State College Authors Collection, a special collection in the college library of books by PPSC students, staff, and faculty. I was honored to read alongside Colorado Poet Laureate Bobby LeFebre and PPSC authors Michelle Harris, M.R. Hyde, and Jason Dias. Special thanks to artist Connor Dias and librarian Larissa Powers, who made this unique collection and memorable event possible!