'Where I'm From' project kicks off at UPIKE

The University of Pikeville (UPIKE) recently announced its participation in Kentucky poet laureate George Lyon's "Where I'm From" project.

The famous poem "Where I'm From" is the central theme of Lyon's project. She has invited the submission of "Where I'm From" poems from each of the 120 Kentucky counties. Amanda Runyon, Pike County organizer and assistant professor of English, is collecting the submissions.

“We all have individual and unique experiences even though we may be from the same county,” Runyon said. “This project is wonderful not only for poems that are written but for the preservation of our memories. A memory poem is a compilation of memories that define who we are as a people and are so much more than just where we are from but rather includes things, people and beliefs.”

Runyon will lead poetry workshops from 6-8 p.m. in Chrisman Auditorium, Armington Learning Center. The first workshop was held on Oct. 3. The second workshop -- which includes activities and exercises to stimulate poem ideas -- will be held on Oct. 12.

“There are multigenerational possibilities," Lyon said. "There wouldn’t just be poetry from high school or college students, but people in senior centers, nursing homes, other adults -- a multitude of voices. It gives the opportunity for a community to have celebration of poetry and gives an opportunity for all those voices to express themselves about their places and people.”

Poems will be posted on the Kentucky Arts Council's "Where I'm From" web page. In addition, UPIKE will host a presentation of poems at the 2016 Kentucky Writers' Day on April 25. The deadline for submitting poems is Dec. 1.