Poems by kerry rawlinson

pre/mo/cognition
there’s something happening that I can’t quite
catch. something hiding, birthing,
like the egg of a maggot, itching
to hatch, quite slight—
barely there—

optimism is a mutated mule

About the Author – Ken Cathers

kerry rawlinson is a mental nomad & bloody-minded optimist who wandered west from a Zambian gestation & landed in Canada. Recipient of 2024’s New Millennium Writings & Canterbury Poetry Prizes; 2023’s Princemere Prize and long/shortlisted for others, e.g. HUNGRY HILL Poetry for Politics; Bridport, Foster; Palette, her recent poetry acceptances include: SHINE Poetry Series; League of Canadian Poets; The Ex-Puritan; Qwerty; PrimeNumber; Pinhole; low hanging fruit; filling Station; IceFloe; Grain. kerry wanders barefoot through dislocation & belonging, enthralled with the gore, music, brutality & beauty of the world—and still drinks too much (tea). kerryrawlinson.com @kerryrawli
Keep Reading…
- Between Art and Story
My Aunt Pat introduced me to Nick Bantock’s books many years ago, and I’ve loved his work ever since. I think of her whenever I pick one up. Bantock is a British-born artist who made Canada his home. He studied painting and spent years working as an illustrator, designing hundreds of book covers before creating books of his own. He was, in some ways, an accidental writer. - A Tree Grows in Two Directions
Above ground, we notice the trunk, the branches, the leaves, the fruit. Below ground, the roots are doing quieter work: growing into darkness, responding to gravity, creating the strength that makes everything visible possible. This article explores that idea through writing: the private work, discarded pages, questions, stream-of-consciousness writing, and all the thoughts that happen before a finished piece ever reaches another reader. - Anne Carson Wins the 2026 Nobel Prize in Literature
Canadian poet, essayist and translator Anne Carson has won the 2026 Nobel Prize in Literature. The announcement celebrates a writer whose work continues to expand the possibilities of literature, moving between poetry, prose, translation and visual art.
Meanwhile, at Dreamers…
Fireside Writing Retreat

It’s simple; a set of prompts, a loose structure, and time set aside to move through it at your own pace. You can follow it closely or not at all. There’s no expectation to produce anything finished.
Dreamers Writing Farm

Dreamers Writing Farm is the physical home of the Dreamers community, a quiet, creative space on the Bruce Peninsula in Ontario. Writers, artists, and travellers stay here throughout the year in simple, literary-themed cabins, tents, and studio suites.