Friends of Poetry, Inc., is a 35-year-old collective of writers and lovers of writing in the greater Kalamazoo, Michigan area who seek to promote the enjoyment of the reading and writing of poetry.

What makes poetry alive and vital is its relationship to the community. Friends of Poetry enjoys collaborating with other Kalamazoo groups and institutions. They have worked with Pen Dragons Calligraphy Guild, Log Cabin quilt makers, Kalamazoo Community Chorale, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, the Kalamazoo Public Library, the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, and now, The Smoking Poet.

Friends of Poetry has come from Poems on Buses to the “Poems That Ate Our Ears,” a contest for children through 12th grade. Winning poems appear on buildings throughout the city of Kalamazoo, painted on walls as murals by local artists.

Friends of Poetry is the sponsor of Putting on the Dog: The Smoking Poet Celebrates 5, our celebration of five years showcasing the finest in literature and cigars, on Thursday, April 28, at 7 p.m., The Wine Loft in Kalamazoo.

Learn more about Friends of Poetry on their fan page on Facebook. Join and be a friend of poetry. Friends of Poetry, we salute you!

~ Thank you to Friends of Poetry President Elizabeth Kerlikowske for providing the above information.