Illinois State Poetry Society
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Benefactors ($50)
Chris Holaves
Pamela Larson
Usha Mahisekar
Thomas Schmidt
Andrew J. Van Ella

Patrons ($30)
David LaRue Alexander
Bruce Amble
Christine Cianciosi
John J. Gordon
Larry Hays
Jim Lambert
Wilda Morris
John Quinn
Ryan Sauers
Nancy Ann Schaefer
Irfanulla Shariff
Doreen R. Van Lee
New Poems
  • Read ISPS members' poems posted June 2013
  • 2013 ISPS Poetry Contest Announcement
  • Order Distilled Lives, ISPS Poetry Anthology
  • Upcoming ISPS Meetings
  • A Message from the President, May, 2013
  • "Last Sunday" Reading, June 30, 2013
  • Archived "Messages from the ISPS President"
  • Contact Us


Search only ISPS site
Welcome to this Web site for the Illinois State Poetry Society, connecting ISPS members with each other and with the general public. Here you'll find information for and about this group of serious poets. Since June of 2000 we have been posting bimonthly editions of poetry written by ISPS members. All ISPS members are invited to submit a poem each two-month period. (How and when to submit) You are invited to read the ISPS member poems posted in June 2013 as well as previous postings.

To join ISPS through June, , please fill out our Membership Form and mail it with a check for $20.00. 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 Web site.

Upcoming ISPS Meetings

ISPS News Bulletins

A Message from the President, May, 2013

by Mardelle Fortier, ISPS President

There is something about escaping from a flood that gives you a perspective concerning the important things in life! Among many important aspects, two at the top remain poetry and friendship. The Illinois State Poetry Society emphasizes both. I am grateful that as your President for the past two years, I have been privileged to bask in your friendhship as well as your love of poetry.

Together, we have continued and furthered the great traditions and programs of ISPS: the Manningham contest, ISPS contest, the expansion of our club throughout Illinois, poetry readings at Brewed Awakening, and service to senior citizens, to name a few.

I have valued your friendship and assistance, and look forward to our meetings in years to come. A round of applause, please, for our hard-working past officers!

My best wishes for the success of our new officers, and welcome to new members.

Mardelle Fortier
President, ISPS (Fortier@cod.edu)

Archive of Past Presidents' Messages


"Last Sunday" Reading, June 30, 2013

Poets Jennifer Dotson and Arlyn Miller will be featured at Brewed Awakening, 19 West Quincy (across from the train station), Westmont, on Sunday, June 30. Poetry readings begin at 12:30 p.m. Cover charge of $7.00 includes coffee and a snack. There will also be an open mic. Sponsored by the Illinois State Poetry Society and Brewed Awakening. For details and bios of poets, please click here (PDF).


Order Distilled Lives, ISPS Poetry Anthology

book cover
Seventy-five members of Illinois State Poetry Society have, as their 20th anniversary anthology's title promises, distilled life with its vicissitudes and revelations. Poems weave universal themes in rhyme and free verse while presenting fresh, provocative and sometimes metaphysical insights. Humor, pathos, reverie and existentialism, among other diverse tones, combine in this entertaining and insightful collection.
Sneak Peek
To Order



Contact Us

If you have questions or feedback regarding this Web site, please click a link below to send an e-mail to a member of the ISPS Web Committee. We welcome your thoughts.

Alan Harris
Larry Turner
William Marr
     

Web site design and maintenance by Alan Harris at