Category Archives: Poetry

The Sangamon River Anthology of Champaign County Poetry

Posted on 08/19/2025 by Will Reger

This summer Reger completed editing and publishing the Sangamon River Anthology of Champaign County Poetry. Here he shares the foreword from that volume to introduce the project and offer a glimpse into the collection’s themes. Poetry in Champaign County has … Continue reading →

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America, I’m Writing You a Poem

Posted on 08/19/2025 by Will Reger

America, I’m writing you a poem: All words I learned at your side,In these days of your decline, reaching Up to regain yourself, to get back To a state of reason and equanimity. Though your path is nearly severed, And … Continue reading →

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There Is Only Old People Here. All the Children Are Gone

Posted on 11/18/2023 by Mrs. Marilynn Dean Cleveland

There’s no hope for a better tomorrow. There’s no vision or dream for a better reason. The paths are darkened by fear and evil forces that dwells in the darkness that roams the corners of the street. There is only … Continue reading →

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A Conversation with Urbana Poet Laureate Ashanti Files

Posted on 11/12/2021 by Public i

The Public i recently talked to Urbana Poet Laureate Ashanti Files Please tell our readers a little about yourself. “I am a wife, mother, and registered nurse. I currently work in mental health and addiction services. I enjoy reading, writing … Continue reading →

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“It’s Scary Having a Fifteen-Year-Old Son”: Community Voices on Gun Violence in C-U

Posted on 12/06/2020 by FirstFollowers

In the midst of the global pandemic, Champaign-Urbana has its own local epidemic: gun violence. As of July 20, police had received 95 reports in 2020 of shooting incidents in Champaign alone. This is more than double the total for … Continue reading →

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What I Learned While being the Poet Laureate for the City of Urbana . . .

Posted on 12/06/2020 by Will Reger

I learned that the people of Urbana truly appreciated the emphasis on poetry in their public lives.  They felt it improved their town in a tangible way. I learned that many poets live in this community who don’t always interact … Continue reading →

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