Historically, the Poetry in Motion initiative has, in participating cities, replaced the usual advertisements on public transportation, like buses and subway cars, with excerpts of poems. The Poetry in Motion program began in 1992 in New York City, where the Poetry Society of America began selecting works from both established and up-and-coming poets each year to be featured in its initiative. The now widespread program has been implemented in almost 30 cities in its 20 years of existence.
Tennessee is adding a twist to the Poetry in Motion program this year. Rather than selecting works only from published collections, the 2013 Poetry in Motion will feature selected submissions from the public. Submissions will be accepted from Davidson County residents and will be judged by a panel of local authors and lovers of poetry.
Past years’ Poetry in Motion features have included works of Walt Whitman, Emily Dickinson, and William Butler Yeats. To be featured in this year’s Poetry in Motion, submit entries here by March 8. The selected poems will be on display throughout April, which is, appropriately, National Poetry Month.