Featured Poet: Poemsbyrelic

Poemsbyrelic was featured in the Train River Poetry : anthology Fall 2019 . She recently was awarded her B.F.A. in photography and has founded her own poetry publication, The Relic Review. We recently had the opportunity to ask her some questions about her latest venture.

Congratulations on founding the Relic Review! Why did you decide to launch a poetry publication?

I founded The Relic Review because I felt as if it was too hard for poets with a small audience to share their work. Once I was comfortable in putting my poetry online, I wanted to expand my audience, and see my work on platforms curated by others. But too many online publications had anxiety-inducing rules. There's fees, certain formatting restrictions, and limits on how much you can submit. Frankly, I was annoyed. Especially, when there's a fee involved. So, you pour your heart out, and minimize yourself to three poems in a PDF. And then, once you adhere to all of their guidelines, two months later there's an email in your inbox saying, "We loved your submission. But, we've decided to decline. We look forward you to continue to support us." No thanks, I'll start my own.

What are your goals at The Relic Review?

My goal is simple: to share the stories of others, particularly marginalized people (i.e. people of color, disabled people, members of the LGBTQ+ community, immigrants). Anyone that doesn't feel like they have a place, specifically in the current political atmosphere. Now, more than ever, we need to listen to others. We need to step outside of our prejudices and judgments. Let someone else get on the soapbox for once, and listen well. Not just listen. But listen well. Respond. Don't just nod. With The Relic Review, I've gotten some really heartfelt submissions from marginalized poets, and it really helps me gain a perspective on not only politics but mental health. Everyone has a story, we just need someone to listen to and understand it. 

What kind of art are you accepting?

I'm accepting prose, poetry, short story, and essays! Visual art (photography, painting, 3D art, printmaking, etc.) is welcome too!
*As of right now, I can only accept short works, but I would love to expand to reviewing full manuscripts in the future!*

How can writers and artists submit their work?

I tried to make it as simple as possible! There are a few guidelines.
All submissions can be sent to relicreviewsubmissions@outlook.com

Where can readers read submissions?

Accepted submissions can be found here!

How can people help support your mission?

There are quite a few ways:

Any words of wisdom you’d like to share?

In 2014, Lupita Nyong'o won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for Twelve Years a Slave I was a junior in high school, battling what would become a 4+ year fight with depression. Lupita, in her powder blue dress and short buzz-cut afro--much like mine now, stood with the Oscar in her hand and said the most powerful words that I've ever heard: "No matter where you're from, your dreams are valid." It was at that moment, I began to manifest everything I ever wanted. On my darkest days (and there were a lot of them in college), I replayed her Oscar speech. Year after year, it still brings me to an ugly cry. It doesn't age. When I was diagnosed and became disabled with psoriatic arthritis, Lupita's words rang louder and became more prominent for me. As the political climate shifted from comfort and pride to terror and disgust, Lupita became my hero. With that being said, my wisdom does not come from me, but from Lupita: "No matter where you're from, your dreams are valid."


To read more by Poemsbyrelic, check out Train River Poetry : anthology Fall 2019, currently ranked #3 in Amazon’s Poetry Anthology New Releases.

Interview, SpeakKatherine Bakken