ballast journal
@ballastjournal.bsky.social
2.1K followers 700 following 350 posts
a journal of poetry and more poetry and more poetry | editors @jacobschepers.bsky.social & Sara Judy | submissions always open | issue 3.1 out now | ballastjournal.com
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Made a pack of ballast contributors!
If we missed you, let us know!
We’ll update this list as often as needed!
Go follow this crew, #poetrycommunity!
Dazzling!
ballastjournal.bsky.social
Contributor Features from ballast 3.3:

Here’s “Milorad Pavić, Landscape Painted with Tea” by Stephen Bett

www.ballastjournal.com/stephen-bett

#contributorfeature
#poem
#poems
#ballast
#StephenBett
The image is a digital graphic featuring a poem by Stephen Bett, with the title "STEPHEN BETT FROM 'Milorad Pavić, LANDSCAPE PAINTED WITH TEA'". The poem reads:

"Milord, said the Creel, The Whip
should flay onward, figure it out
ward pls, no tight-worn braids

Who could possibly smile a swoon
yawn tame state of PoWorld"

Below the poem, a stylized illustration of a mustache is displayed. In the bottom-right corner, the text "ballast 3.3" and "ballastjournal.com" are written.

The background of the image is solid gray.
ballastjournal.bsky.social
Contributor Features from ballast 3.3:

Here’s “Exodus of a Trump” by Michael Loren Butkovich

www.ballastjournal.com/michael-butk...

#contributorfeature
#poem
#poems
#ballast
#MichaelLorenButkovich
The image is a digital graphic featuring white text and illustrations on an orange background. The title, "MICHAEL LOREN BUTKOVICH FROM 'EXODUS OF A TRUMP,'" is prominently displayed at the top in large white font.

Below the title, a passage of text reads: "The head-duck self-coronated within crimson stained blood-sands while crispy critters are toasted well-done a rich man's old Southeast Asian recipe a profiteering cuisine worth repeating what a well-greased repackaged gimmick of a propaganda it was." This text is presented in a smaller white font.

In the bottom-right corner of the image, a simple line drawing of a duck's head wearing a crown is visible. The crown features a heart-shaped top, adding a touch of whimsy to the design.

At the bottom-left corner, the text "ballast 3.3" and "ballastjournal.com" are displayed in small white font, providing context and attribution for the image.
ballastjournal.bsky.social
Contributor Features from ballast 3.3:

Here’s “Impossible Princess” by Zack Carson

www.ballastjournal.com/zack-carson

#contributorfeature
#poem
#poems
#ballast
#ZackCarson
The image is a digital graphic featuring a quote from Zack Carson's "Impossible Princess" on an orange background. The title, "ZACK CARSON FROM 'IMPOSSIBLE PRINCESS'", is prominently displayed in large black text at the top.

Below the title, a poignant quote reads: "If I could, I would boil my hands in flowers. Every song is dedicated to babies who came feet first; they look just like me." This quote is presented in smaller black text.

In the bottom-left corner, a simple line drawing depicts a hand reaching out to touch a bouquet of flowers. The flowers are illustrated with delicate lines and subtle details, adding a touch of elegance to the design.

On the right side of the image, the text "ballast 3.3" and "ballastjournal.com" are displayed in small black font, providing context and attribution for the quote.
ballastjournal.bsky.social
Contributor Features from ballast 3.3:

Here’s “Grace” by Kameryn Alexa Carter

www.ballastjournal.com/kameryn-alex...

#contributorfeature
#poetry
#poem
#poems
#ballast
#KamerynAlexaCarter
The image is a digital graphic featuring a poem by Kameryn Alexa Carter, titled "From 'Grace'". The title is prominently displayed in large black text at the top of the image.

- *Title and Author*
    - The title "KAMERYN ALEXA CARTER FROM 'GRACE'" is written in large black text at the top of the image.
- *Poem*
    - The poem is presented in smaller black text below the title.
    - It reads: "Tucked in the eaves of the churchhouse, I still get the message. Still get it separated by the thin veil of the television, tarrying in the cybersanctuary. Fondue fountain free. Horoscopic heliotrope. Hagiographic haunt."
- *Rosary Illustration*
    - A simple line drawing of a rosary is positioned to the right of the poem.
- *Background and Footer*
    - The background of the image is a solid salmon color.
    - In the bottom-left corner, the text "ballast 3.3" and "ballastjournal.com" are displayed in small black font.
Reposted by ballast journal
danadelibovi.bsky.social
Thanks @ballastjournal.bsky.social—so happy to have our work in your beautiful, thoughtful publication. ❤️✍️
ballastjournal.bsky.social
Contributor Features from ballast 3.3:

Here’s “Five Movements on a Gesture Traced in Air” by Rocío Cerón & Dana Delibovi (translator) @danadelibovi.bsky.social

www.ballastjournal.com/rocio-ceron-...

#contributorfeature
#poetry
#poem
#poems
#ballast
#RocíoCerón
#DanaDelibovi
A yellow graphic with black text and musical notes, featuring a poem or excerpt from 'Five Movements on a Gesture Traced in Air' by Rocío Cerón, translated by Dana Delibovi, published in Ballast journal.
ballastjournal.bsky.social
Contributor Features from ballast 3.3:

Here’s “Five Movements on a Gesture Traced in Air” by Rocío Cerón & Dana Delibovi (translator) @danadelibovi.bsky.social

www.ballastjournal.com/rocio-ceron-...

#contributorfeature
#poetry
#poem
#poems
#ballast
#RocíoCerón
#DanaDelibovi
A yellow graphic with black text and musical notes, featuring a poem or excerpt from 'Five Movements on a Gesture Traced in Air' by Rocío Cerón, translated by Dana Delibovi, published in Ballast journal.
ballastjournal.bsky.social
Contributor Features from ballast 3.3:

Here’s Viviane Fae-Moss with “Butch Vagabonds of Indecipherable Origin”

www.ballastjournal.com/viviane-fae-...

#contributorfeature
#poetry
#poem
#poems
#ballast
#VivianeFaeMoss
The image is a digital graphic featuring a quote from "Butch Vagabonds of Indecipherable Origin" by Viviane Fae-Moss, accompanied by illustrations of eels.

- The title and author are displayed prominently at the top of the image.
    - The title is "VIVIANE FAE-MOSS FROM 'BUTCH VAGABONDS OF INDECIPHERABLE ORIGIN'".
    - The text is in black font.
- Below the title, a quote is presented in a larger font size.
    - The quote reads: "They've built a new aquarium. They have these things called eels - they're like devils, but if they were fish. Also not religious. Also they're quite cute."
    - The quote is also in black font.
- The background of the image features a gradient that transitions from green to blue.
    - The gradient starts with a light green color at the bottom left corner and gradually changes to a light blue color towards the top right corner.
- Three illustrations of eels are scattered throughout the image.
    - The eels are drawn in black ink and appear to be swimming in different directions.
    - One eel is located in the top-left corner, another in the middle-right side, and the third at the bottom-right corner.
- At the bottom-left corner of the image, there is a notation that reads "ballast 3.3" followed by "ballastjournal.com".
    - The text is in smaller black font.

In summary, the image is a visually appealing digital graphic that showcases a quote from a literary work, accompanied by illustrations of eels and a subtle background gradient. The overall design is clean and easy to read, making it an effective way to present the quote and its context.
ballastjournal.bsky.social
Contributor Features from ballast 3.3:

Here’s Kelly Gray with “West Country”

www.ballastjournal.com/kelly-gray

#contributorfeature
#poetry
#poem
#poems
#ballast
#KellyGray
The image is a black-and-white illustration of two vultures, one perched on a tree stump and the other flying above it. The vulture on the ground has its head turned to the right, while the flying vulture is positioned in the top-right corner of the image.

In the center of the image, there is text that reads "KELLY GRAY FROM 'WEST COUNTRY'" Below this, a poem excerpt is written in smaller font:

"One vulture on the ground,
the deer turned open like a valentine.
I can't drive without pulling my throat out."

At the bottom-right corner of the image, additional text states "ballast 3.3" and "ballastjournal.com"
ballastjournal.bsky.social
Contributor Features from ballast 3.3:

Here’s Peter Milne Greiner with “The Way Science Fiction Loves”

www.ballastjournal.com/peter-milne-...

#contributorfeature
#poetry
#poem
#poems
#ballast
#PeterMilneGreiner
The image is a digital graphic featuring a quote from Peter Milne Greiner's work "The Way Science Fiction Loves." The background is a solid light blue color, with dark blue wavy lines in the corners.

- The title of the quote is prominently displayed at the top center of the image in large black text: *"PETER MILNE GREINER FROM 'THE WAY SCIENCE FICTION LOVES'"*.
- Below the title, the quote itself is presented in smaller black text:
    - "Amorphous as the passage of all things by then was, amorphousness too pulled its own weight in the task of bolstering the structure-starved background and foreground and middle distance that persisted in their intersections with the matrices of moment and short day and long night."
- In the bottom-right corner, additional information is provided in small black text:
    - "ballast 3.3"
    - "ballastjournal.com"
ballastjournal.bsky.social
Contributor Features from ballast 3.3:

Here’s Daniel Hales with “Mist”

www.ballastjournal.com/daniel-hales

#contributorfeature
#poetry
#poem
#poems
#ballast
#DanielHales
Text from Daniel Hales’ erasure poem “Mist” in ballast 3.3
ballastjournal.bsky.social
Contributor Features from ballast 3.3:

Here’s Jake Hargrove with “I Was There When the Heart Fell Out of It”

www.ballastjournal.com/jake-hargrove

#contributorfeature
#poetry
#poem
#poems
#ballast
#JakeHargrove
The image is a digital graphic featuring a poem by Jake Hargrove, titled "I Was There When the Heart Fell Out of It." The title and author's name are prominently displayed in large white text at the top of the image.

- *Title and Author*
    - The title "JAKE HARGROVE FROM 'I WAS THERE WHEN THE HEART FELL OUT OF IT'" is written in large white text.
    - The title is centered and takes up most of the top half of the image.
- *Poem Excerpt*
    - Below the title, an excerpt from the poem is presented in smaller white text.
    - The excerpt reads: "I was there when the heart fell out of it. We were trying to slip it by in the night, from roof to roof, and there it went tumbling down the lightwell toward some birdshit bottom."
    - A black swoosh design element is placed behind the poem excerpt, adding visual interest.
- *Publication Information*
    - At the bottom left of the image, the text "ballast 3.3" and "ballastjournal.com" are displayed in small white text.
- *Illustration*
    - On the right side of the image, a graphic illustration of a human heart is depicted in shades of red and pink.
    - The illustration is stylized and simplified, with bold lines and minimal details.
ballastjournal.bsky.social
Contributor Features from ballast 3.3:

Here’s Alec Hershman with “River”

www.ballastjournal.com/alec-hershman

#contributorfeature
#poetry
#poem
#poems
#ballast
#AlecHershman
The image is a digital graphic featuring a poem by Alec Hershman from "River.” The background of the image is a photograph of a blue sky with white clouds, which occupies the entire space.

The text is presented in black font and is arranged as follows:

- At the top center: "ALEC HERSHMAN FROM 'RIVER'"
- In the middle:
    - "Rain-clouds meet at the mountain's foot."
    - "(cosmic yoga,"
    - "cozy tropopause). Raise"
    - "hot lakes from theatric bathymetry."
- At the bottom left:
    - "ballast 3.3"
    - "ballastjournal.com"
ballastjournal.bsky.social
Contributor Features from ballast 3.3:

Here’s A Hua’s “Winds Blow Through This Floating World,” translated by Xuelan Su

www.ballastjournal.com/a-hua-trans-...

#contributorfeature
#poetry
#poem
#poems
#ballast
#AHua
#XuelanSu
The image is a poem titled "A HUA, TRANSLATED BY XUELAN SU" from the collection "WINDS BLOW THROUGH THIS FLOATING WORLD." The poem reads:

"what's not flawed or doesn't breathe life
can't be trusted
the weeds, these floating bits of dust
a crippled ant
prologue to the vast, lonely spring"

The text is presented in black on a turquoise background, with the title and source information displayed prominently at the top. The source information includes the publication "ballast 3.3" and the website "ballastjournal.com."

At the bottom of the image, there are simple line drawings that evoke the feeling of wind blowing across the page.
ballastjournal.bsky.social
Contributor Features from ballast 3.3:

Here’s D.J. Huppatz with “Build a Network” @djhuppatz.bsky.social

www.ballastjournal.com/dj-huppatz

#contributorfeature
#poetry
#poem
#poems
#ballast
#DJHuppatz
The image is a digital graphic featuring a poem by D.J. Huppatz, titled "From 'Build a Network'". The title is prominently displayed in large black text at the top of the image.

- *Title and Author*
    - The title "D.J. HUPPATZ FROM 'BUILD A NETWORK'" is written in large black text.
    - The author's name is D.J. Huppatz.
- *Poem*
    - The poem reads: "Unfed nettles along the fenceline, arise. Let's file letters until litter enters, whittle decimals, salute spillage, uncrumple across the lines."
    - The poem is written in smaller black text below the title.
- *Background and Design Elements*
    - The background of the image is a light green color.
    - A black picket fence graphic is visible at the bottom of the image.
    - Green leaves are illustrated on top of the fence.
- *Additional Text*
    - In the bottom-right corner, the text "ballast 3.3" and "ballastjournal.com" are displayed in small black text.

The image effectively combines a visually appealing design with the presentation of a poem, making it suitable for use as a social media post or other online content.
ballastjournal.bsky.social
Contributor features from ballast 3.3!

Here’s Stephen K. Kim with “Notification” @skimperil.bsky.social

www.ballastjournal.com/stephen-k-kim

#contributorfeature
#poetry
#poem
#poems
#ballast
#StephenKKim
The image is a screenshot of a quote from the poem "Notification" by Stephen K. Kim, presented in a visually appealing format. The quote is displayed on a white background with rounded corners, resembling a card or a pop-up window.

- *Title and Author*
    - The title "Stephen K. Kim" is prominently displayed at the top of the white background in large black text.
    - Below the title, the phrase "from 'Notification'" is written in smaller black text, indicating the source of the quote.
- *Quote*
    - The quote itself is presented in gray text and reads: "it had nothing to do with how I would just be a means to scratch his itch, it only mattered that my reverie of a clandestine liaison with this dapper, chiseled stranger was attainable, which propelled me onto his doorstep."
    - The quote is centered within the white background, making it the focal point of the image.
- *Buttons*
    - Below the quote, two buttons are visible: "SNOOZE" and "OKAY."
    - These buttons are not interactive elements, but appear to allow the user to respond to the quote or notification in some way.
- *Background and Footer*
    - The background of the image features a pastel-colored gradient, transitioning from pink to green.
    - In the bottom-right corner, the text "ballast 3.3" and "ballastjournal.com" is displayed in small black font, providing information about the source or context of the quote.

In summary, the image presents a quote from "Notification" by Stephen K. Kim in a clean and modern design, accompanied by non-interactive buttons and contextual information about the source.
ballastjournal.bsky.social
Contributor Features from ballast 3.3:

Here’s J.I. Kleinberg with “Recalibrating”

www.ballastjournal.com/ji-kleinberg

#contributorfeature
#poetry
#poem
#poems
#ballast
#JIKleinberg
The image is a poem titled "RECALIBRATING" by J.I. Kleinberg, presented in a visually striking format. The title and author's name are displayed prominently at the top of the image in bold black text.

*Poem Structure:*
The poem is arranged vertically, with each line consisting of a few words cut out from white paper and placed on a greenish-gray background. The words are arranged to resemble a winding path or a stream, creating a sense of movement and flow.

*Poem Text:*
The poem reads:

"recalibrating
fireflies spines of darkness
spider the night.
tessellated web somewhere
ascatter in the geometry of stars"

*Additional Elements:*
In the top-right corner, the text "ballast 3.3" and "ballastjournal.com" is displayed in smaller black font, indicating the source of the poem.

*Background:*
The background of the image features a light gray border around the edges, with a textured greenish-gray surface behind the poem. This design choice adds a sense of depth and visual interest to the overall composition.
ballastjournal.bsky.social
Contributor Features from ballast 3.3:

Next up: Christopher Klingbeil with “Western sugar cooperative” @cklingbe.bsky.social

www.ballastjournal.com/christopher-...

#contributorfeature
#poetry
#poem
#poems
#ballast
#ChristopherKlingbeil
The image is a digital graphic featuring a poem by Christopher Klingbeil, titled "Western Sugar Cooperative." The title and author's name are prominently displayed at the top in bold black text.

- *Title and Author*
    - *Title:* "Western Sugar Cooperative"
    - *Author:* Christopher Klingbeil
- *Poem*
    - The poem is written in black text and reads:
        - "I'm worried if one day you'll leave this could be the season I remember when it happens when I tell you another story"
        - "about foxes leaving burrows with my hands shaped in the shadows of your nightlight it won't be coincidence"
- *Illustrations*
    - A small gray razor is positioned above the poem.
    - A teal sugar bowl with gold handles and a gold lid is centered below the poem. The word "Sugar" is written on the side of the bowl in cursive.
- *Background and Attribution*
    - The background of the image is a light mint green color.
    - In the bottom-right corner, the text "ballast 3.3" and "ballastjournal.com" are displayed in black.
ballastjournal.bsky.social
Contributor Features from ballast 3.3:

Next up: BEE LB with “dualities”

www.ballastjournal.com/bee-lb-2

#contributorfeature
#poetry
#poem
#poems
#ballast
#BEELB
The image is a digital graphic featuring a poem and an illustration of a broken egg. The title, "BEE LB FROM 'DUALITIES'," is prominently displayed in large yellow text at the top. Below it, the poem is written in smaller yellow text, reading:

"THERE IS A BROTHER HIDDEN FROM THE WORLD, & THERE IS A BROTHER DIFFUSED THROUGHOUT THE WORLD.
THERE IS A SUN BROKEN LIKE A YOLK LEFT TO RUN, & THERE IS A SKY BRIGHT AS THE SPLIT EGGSHELL.
THERE IS THE GROUND BENEATH US, & THERE IS THE GROUND THAT HOLDS US AFTER WE ARE NOT US BUT OUR SIMPLE BODIES."

In the bottom-right corner, an illustration of a broken eggshell with a yolk spilling out is depicted in shades of brown, white, and yellow. At the bottom-left corner, the text "BALLAST 3.3 BALLASTJOURNAL.COM" is written in small yellow font.

The background of the image is a pale yellow color.
ballastjournal.bsky.social
Contributor Features from ballast 3.3:

Next up: Ashley Linkletter with “Michael Douglas Wakes Up from a Nightmare”

www.ballastjournal.com/ashley-linkl...

#contributorfeature
#poetry
#poem
#poems
#ballast
#AshleyLinkletter
A poem titled 'Michael Douglas Wakes Up from a Nightmare' by Ashley Linkletter, featuring a bed graphic and the text: 'Lately (he thinks, as he listens in the dark) He seems to be haunted by synthesizers, by saxophones, by vengeance. In the bracken, under pale silver threads of moonlight white rabbits scream an uneasy shiver.' The background is gray, with black text and graphics." Poem published in Ballast 3.3.
ballastjournal.bsky.social
Contributor Features from ballast 3.3:

Next up: Cecille Marcato with “Modern Cartography”

www.ballastjournal.com/cecille-marc...

#contributorfeature
#poetry
#poem
#poems
#ballast
#CecilleMarcato
The image is a vibrant red poster featuring a quote from Cecille Marcato's "Modern Cartography." The title, "CECILLE MARCATO FROM 'MODERN CARTOGRAPHY,'" is prominently displayed in yellow text at the top. Below it, a white silhouette of a world map is centered on the page.

A quote in white text is presented within a black-outlined box, reading: "IMAGINE THIS, IF YOU WILL: A CHIP EMBEDDED IN YOUR EAR THAT CREATES A HOLOGRAPHIC MAP DANCING IN THE CORNER OF YOUR ROOM, MODIFYING ITSELF MOMENT TO MOMENT, SHOWING IN REAL TIME YOUR FOOT PESTERING THAT PEBBLE, SENDING IT OFF ON ITS VOYAGE TO THE SEA."

In the bottom-right corner, an orange oval contains the text "BALLAST 3.3 BALLASTJOURNAL.COM" in white.
ballastjournal.bsky.social
Contributor Features from ballast 3.3:

Next up: Austin Miles with “08/22”

www.ballastjournal.com/austin-miles

#contributorfeature
#poetry
#poem
#poems
#ballast
#AustinMiles
Image of a small, round wooden table with a white and gray striped tablecloth, adorned with a vase of white flowers, a decorative object, and a tray. The text 'Austin Miles FROM '08/22'' is displayed above the table, while a poem is presented on the right side, reading: 'HOYA FRAGRANT SO IT NO LONGER SMELLS LIKE DOG PISS WAX FLOWER ALMOST FAKE-LOOKING A DRIED CLUSTER OF FLOWERS A BRUSH SCATTER ON THE TABLE THE SOIL
ballastjournal.bsky.social
Contributor Features from ballast 3.3:

Next up: David Moolten, from “The Essay” @davidmoolten.bsky.social

www.ballastjournal.com/david-moolten

#contributorfeature
#poetry
#poem
#poems
#ballast
#DavidMoolten
Image of a quote by David Moolten from 'The Essay' on a dark blue background with white and yellow text. The quote reads: 'Now you get the last word, but know your life must speak for itself. A chance to explain, that one small mercy, is gone.' The text is surrounded by a white border with a brush stroke design.
ballastjournal.bsky.social
Contributor Features from ballast 3.3:

Next up: Rachel Lauren Myers and “Spring”

www.ballastjournal.com/rachel-laure...

#contributorfeature
#poetry
#poem
#poems
#ballast
#RachelLaurenMyers
The image is a digital illustration featuring a poem by Rachel Lauren Myers, titled "From 'Spring'" The poem is presented in white text on a green background, accompanied by an illustration of tree stumps and a human figure with roots.

- *Title and Author*
    - The title "RACHEL LAUREN MYERS" is displayed prominently at the top of the image.
    - Below the title, the phrase "FROM 'SPRING'" is written in smaller text.
- *Poem*
    - The poem is presented in white text on the left side of the image.
    - It reads: "INTERCONNECTEDNESS MAKES ME NERVOUS. HOW REFLECTIVE THE SHAPES NATURE MAKES. HOW THE TREE TRUNKS GROW UPWARDS, SPLITTING BRANCHES. HOW THE HUMAN CIRCULATORY SYSTEM DOES THE SAME. CONVINCED MY VEINS COULD BECOME PETRIFIED WOOD. I'LL FEEL IT IN MY FEET IF I TOUCH EARTH."
- *Illustration*
    - The illustration features four tree stumps, with the largest one positioned centrally.
    - A human figure is depicted standing in front of the central tree stump, with roots extending from their body and merging with the stump.
    - The roots are colored red, blue, and purple, and appear to be connected to the tree stump.
- *Background and Text*
    - The background of the image is a solid green color.
    - In the bottom-right corner, the text "BALLAST 3.3 BALLASTJOURNAL.COM" is displayed in white.

In summary, the image presents a poem by Rachel Lauren Myers, accompanied by an illustration that explores the theme of interconnectedness between humans and nature. The poem and illustration work together to convey a sense of wonder and awe at the natural world.