Whitney Rio-Ross
@whitlynnrioross.bsky.social
writer, author of Birthmarks (Wipf & Stock), poetry editor at Fare Forward
she/her
https://www.whitneyrioross.com
she/her
https://www.whitneyrioross.com
Reposted by Whitney Rio-Ross
As an Orthodox Christian, I should have found this article encouraging. But it makes me more...concerned. Faith is not therapy for masculine insecurities.
(If your comment is to trash religion, I'll just block you.)
cc @shoutingboy.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/19/u...
(If your comment is to trash religion, I'll just block you.)
cc @shoutingboy.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/19/u...
Orthodox Church Pews Are Overflowing With Converts
www.nytimes.com
November 22, 2025 at 6:53 PM
As an Orthodox Christian, I should have found this article encouraging. But it makes me more...concerned. Faith is not therapy for masculine insecurities.
(If your comment is to trash religion, I'll just block you.)
cc @shoutingboy.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/19/u...
(If your comment is to trash religion, I'll just block you.)
cc @shoutingboy.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/19/u...
Congrats to the Fare Forward Poetry Competition winners!
First Place: "Dire Wolf" by Isabel Cristina Legarda (@poetintheor.bsky.social)
Second Place: "Wisdom" by Joyce Schmid
Third Place: "Postcard from Mexico City, 15 July 2025" by Alena Coleman
First Place: "Dire Wolf" by Isabel Cristina Legarda (@poetintheor.bsky.social)
Second Place: "Wisdom" by Joyce Schmid
Third Place: "Postcard from Mexico City, 15 July 2025" by Alena Coleman
October 1, 2025 at 8:43 PM
Congrats to the Fare Forward Poetry Competition winners!
First Place: "Dire Wolf" by Isabel Cristina Legarda (@poetintheor.bsky.social)
Second Place: "Wisdom" by Joyce Schmid
Third Place: "Postcard from Mexico City, 15 July 2025" by Alena Coleman
First Place: "Dire Wolf" by Isabel Cristina Legarda (@poetintheor.bsky.social)
Second Place: "Wisdom" by Joyce Schmid
Third Place: "Postcard from Mexico City, 15 July 2025" by Alena Coleman
Many thanks to Earth & Altar (@earthandaltarmag.com) for publishing my poem “Ode to Doilies” and offering some space for playful theological aesthetics.
earthandaltarmag.com/posts/ode-to...
earthandaltarmag.com/posts/ode-to...
Ode to Doilies — Earth and Altar
Not to the paper wisps, not those sliced by machine, but the ones that wearied a woman’s fingers. The ones piled in an antique shop, ten for a dollar and sure to be mocked if noticed at...
earthandaltarmag.com
September 12, 2025 at 7:26 PM
Many thanks to Earth & Altar (@earthandaltarmag.com) for publishing my poem “Ode to Doilies” and offering some space for playful theological aesthetics.
earthandaltarmag.com/posts/ode-to...
earthandaltarmag.com/posts/ode-to...
So incredibly proud of my twin flame, Monty Bennett, for writing this incredibly thoughtful, vulnerable, and important essay about her experience as a gay Christian. I consider this required reading.
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
I Left My Church—And Found Christianity
No one should have to choose between their community and their own integrity.
www.theatlantic.com
July 15, 2025 at 7:37 PM
So incredibly proud of my twin flame, Monty Bennett, for writing this incredibly thoughtful, vulnerable, and important essay about her experience as a gay Christian. I consider this required reading.
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archiv...
Reposted by Whitney Rio-Ross
"What makes some political poems last while others feel more like edifying sermons that I will soon forget?... James Cherry's ‘Between Chance and Mercy’ came in to answer my question."
@whitlynnrioross.bsky.social reviews "Between Chance and Mercy" by James E. Cherry
@whitlynnrioross.bsky.social reviews "Between Chance and Mercy" by James E. Cherry
Book Review: “Between Chance and Mercy” by James E. Cherry
Review by Whitney Rio-Ross
psalteryandlyre.org
May 30, 2025 at 1:38 PM
"What makes some political poems last while others feel more like edifying sermons that I will soon forget?... James Cherry's ‘Between Chance and Mercy’ came in to answer my question."
@whitlynnrioross.bsky.social reviews "Between Chance and Mercy" by James E. Cherry
@whitlynnrioross.bsky.social reviews "Between Chance and Mercy" by James E. Cherry
I was delighted to have this poem in EcoTheo Review last week! I also 100% recommend screaming in a field for your mental health.
"Via Dolorosa” by Whitney Rio-Ross. Read more from our Winter 2024 Issue by clicking the link in our bio. @whitlynnrioross
#ecotheo #celebratewonder #poetry #ecotheoreview
#ecotheo #celebratewonder #poetry #ecotheoreview
May 22, 2025 at 10:33 PM
I was delighted to have this poem in EcoTheo Review last week! I also 100% recommend screaming in a field for your mental health.
Follow Marci! Her poetry is a gift.
May 14, 2025 at 5:50 PM
Follow Marci! Her poetry is a gift.
There are roughly a thousand important theological takeaways from Palm Sunday, and this is one that is far too often ignored.
www.nytimes.com/2025/04/13/o...
www.nytimes.com/2025/04/13/o...
Opinion | Palm Sunday Was a Protest, Not a Procession
Jesus’ procession was a parody of imperial power — a deliberate mockery of Roman spectacle and a prophetic enactment of a kingdom not built on violence but on justice.
www.nytimes.com
April 14, 2025 at 3:38 AM
There are roughly a thousand important theological takeaways from Palm Sunday, and this is one that is far too often ignored.
www.nytimes.com/2025/04/13/o...
www.nytimes.com/2025/04/13/o...
Reposted by Whitney Rio-Ross
The State Department didn’t reveal the rationale for having these visas rescinded.
(via @keranews.org)
(via @keranews.org)
Visas revoked for students, graduates at multiple Texas universities amid deportation efforts
Dozens of students and recent graduates in Texas have had their legal status changed by the U.S Department of State over the last few weeks.
www.keranews.org
April 11, 2025 at 1:59 AM
The State Department didn’t reveal the rationale for having these visas rescinded.
(via @keranews.org)
(via @keranews.org)
Reposted by Whitney Rio-Ross
Post-youth group Lucille Clifton
April 6, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Post-youth group Lucille Clifton
This week, my sister offered culture recs in The Atlantic Daily, and they included part of my poem originally published in @rogueagent.bsky.social 😮 I accept this nepotism as payment for years of being a chauffeur, secret keeper, & help in times of troublemaking.
www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/...
www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/...
A hilarious movie that understands the South
www.theatlantic.com
April 6, 2025 at 9:36 PM
This week, my sister offered culture recs in The Atlantic Daily, and they included part of my poem originally published in @rogueagent.bsky.social 😮 I accept this nepotism as payment for years of being a chauffeur, secret keeper, & help in times of troublemaking.
www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/...
www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/...
I finally made/updated an author website. Thank you to poet Lauren Smothers for letting me use her wonderful photography!
www.whitneyrioross.com
www.whitneyrioross.com
Whitney Rio-Ross
www.whitneyrioross.com
April 4, 2025 at 3:31 AM
I finally made/updated an author website. Thank you to poet Lauren Smothers for letting me use her wonderful photography!
www.whitneyrioross.com
www.whitneyrioross.com
I'm honored to be included in the gorgeous @lastsyllablelit.bsky.social's latest issue! Many thanks to them for publishing this long poem that took me forever to write as I wrestled with what it means to be the descendent of a long line of white Southerners.
lastsyllablelit.com/heres-a-trut...
lastsyllablelit.com/heres-a-trut...
March 21, 2025 at 7:22 PM
I'm honored to be included in the gorgeous @lastsyllablelit.bsky.social's latest issue! Many thanks to them for publishing this long poem that took me forever to write as I wrestled with what it means to be the descendent of a long line of white Southerners.
lastsyllablelit.com/heres-a-trut...
lastsyllablelit.com/heres-a-trut...
We have been in Texas for less than 24 hours, and my accent has already gotten stronger. God help me.
February 18, 2025 at 8:58 PM
We have been in Texas for less than 24 hours, and my accent has already gotten stronger. God help me.
Reposted by Whitney Rio-Ross
Recently, UNC Press authors have had their US visas revoked and talks canceled.
For over 100 years, we have stood for academic freedom and open discourse, and continue to do so. Read more on the UNC Press Blog ⬇️
For over 100 years, we have stood for academic freedom and open discourse, and continue to do so. Read more on the UNC Press Blog ⬇️
Academic Freedom and Open Discourse - UNC Press Blog
For over 100 years UNC Press has championed the principles of academic freedom, open discourse, and the free exchange of ideas—values essential to a democratic society and the pursuit of knowledge. R...
uncpressblog.com
January 31, 2025 at 8:04 PM
Recently, UNC Press authors have had their US visas revoked and talks canceled.
For over 100 years, we have stood for academic freedom and open discourse, and continue to do so. Read more on the UNC Press Blog ⬇️
For over 100 years, we have stood for academic freedom and open discourse, and continue to do so. Read more on the UNC Press Blog ⬇️
Want to hear wonderful poems to kick off your weekend? Come to The Still Point, featuring the winners of the Fare Forward Poetry Competition!
www.eventbrite.com/e/the-still-...
www.eventbrite.com/e/the-still-...
January 31, 2025 at 8:35 PM
Want to hear wonderful poems to kick off your weekend? Come to The Still Point, featuring the winners of the Fare Forward Poetry Competition!
www.eventbrite.com/e/the-still-...
www.eventbrite.com/e/the-still-...
Proud to see my sister starting off this presidency by holding spineless power seekers accountable.
www.theatlantic.com/politics/arc...
www.theatlantic.com/politics/arc...
Republican Leaders Once Thought January 6 Was ‘Tragic’
Republicans used to denounce the violent insurrectionists of January 6. Their rhetoric is no longer operative.
www.theatlantic.com
January 21, 2025 at 12:52 AM
Proud to see my sister starting off this presidency by holding spineless power seekers accountable.
www.theatlantic.com/politics/arc...
www.theatlantic.com/politics/arc...
Reposted by Whitney Rio-Ross
farefwd.com/index.php/20...
I'm really honoured & moved by this beautifully written & meaningful review of my second collection "A Handful of Prayers"
Thanks to Matthew Pullar for writing it & to @whitlynnrioross.bsky.social & the team at Fare Forward for publishing it.
I'm really honoured & moved by this beautifully written & meaningful review of my second collection "A Handful of Prayers"
Thanks to Matthew Pullar for writing it & to @whitlynnrioross.bsky.social & the team at Fare Forward for publishing it.
A Handful of Prayers – Fare Forward
farefwd.com
January 1, 2025 at 11:17 PM
farefwd.com/index.php/20...
I'm really honoured & moved by this beautifully written & meaningful review of my second collection "A Handful of Prayers"
Thanks to Matthew Pullar for writing it & to @whitlynnrioross.bsky.social & the team at Fare Forward for publishing it.
I'm really honoured & moved by this beautifully written & meaningful review of my second collection "A Handful of Prayers"
Thanks to Matthew Pullar for writing it & to @whitlynnrioross.bsky.social & the team at Fare Forward for publishing it.
Language and dance are my love languages. Thank you so much to Earth & Altar for publishing this poem.
“I count the paths taken to land me
twirling under a roof of woven accents:
three weddings, two countries, one divorce,
countless conjugations for a broken I love you.”
Today’s poem is by Whitney Rio-Ross.
earthandaltarmag.com/posts/cancin...
twirling under a roof of woven accents:
three weddings, two countries, one divorce,
countless conjugations for a broken I love you.”
Today’s poem is by Whitney Rio-Ross.
earthandaltarmag.com/posts/cancin...
CANCIÓN DE AMOR — Earth and Altar
It begins wordless, hum and sway as telenovela ghosts draw Abuela across the room, eyes closed as she takes my husband’s hands, crooning lyrics he can’t follow but a tune ...
earthandaltarmag.com
December 5, 2024 at 7:49 PM
Language and dance are my love languages. Thank you so much to Earth & Altar for publishing this poem.
Reposted by Whitney Rio-Ross
Love this new poem from @whitlynnrioross.bsky.social!
"...God was the Christmas pageant star.
God was not a girl. The earth he made
with apples seeds, the heavens with half-priced glitter.
We danced, and God smiled..."
"...God was the Christmas pageant star.
God was not a girl. The earth he made
with apples seeds, the heavens with half-priced glitter.
We danced, and God smiled..."
Shadow puppets, a dove, and an exploding notebook…RA 117 is here! With poetry by Stella Brice @wordperv Jaylani Loveday @karennmcpherson Kathy Nelson @whitlynnrioross Alana Torrez Yuan Changming & @suzi00 // www.rogueagentjournal.com/issue117
Issue 117 — RogueAgent
Welcome!
www.rogueagentjournal.com
December 1, 2024 at 5:07 PM
Love this new poem from @whitlynnrioross.bsky.social!
"...God was the Christmas pageant star.
God was not a girl. The earth he made
with apples seeds, the heavens with half-priced glitter.
We danced, and God smiled..."
"...God was the Christmas pageant star.
God was not a girl. The earth he made
with apples seeds, the heavens with half-priced glitter.
We danced, and God smiled..."
Reposted by Whitney Rio-Ross
Shadow puppets, a dove, and an exploding notebook…RA 117 is here! With poetry by Stella Brice @wordperv Jaylani Loveday @karennmcpherson Kathy Nelson @whitlynnrioross Alana Torrez Yuan Changming & @suzi00 // www.rogueagentjournal.com/issue117
Issue 117 — RogueAgent
Welcome!
www.rogueagentjournal.com
December 1, 2024 at 5:04 PM
Shadow puppets, a dove, and an exploding notebook…RA 117 is here! With poetry by Stella Brice @wordperv Jaylani Loveday @karennmcpherson Kathy Nelson @whitlynnrioross Alana Torrez Yuan Changming & @suzi00 // www.rogueagentjournal.com/issue117
So honored by the nomination and also honored just to be on any list that includes these poets!
And the nominees are:
“when asked what it's like being a poet” by Matthew E. Henry
"On My 47th Birthday" by @mjhigley.bsky.social
"I’m Afraid I Don’t Know How to Love" by @christinalinsin.bsky.social
"Whales" by Kathryn Petruccelli
"Keeping Time" by @whitlynnrioross.bsky.social
"Bleed" by Luci Shaw
“when asked what it's like being a poet” by Matthew E. Henry
"On My 47th Birthday" by @mjhigley.bsky.social
"I’m Afraid I Don’t Know How to Love" by @christinalinsin.bsky.social
"Whales" by Kathryn Petruccelli
"Keeping Time" by @whitlynnrioross.bsky.social
"Bleed" by Luci Shaw
December 1, 2024 at 7:44 PM
So honored by the nomination and also honored just to be on any list that includes these poets!
My dad, when asked about when he started dating my mom: "She was a marrying prospect." He calls healthy heifers that he'll keep in the herd good breeding prospects.
November 27, 2024 at 8:30 PM
My dad, when asked about when he started dating my mom: "She was a marrying prospect." He calls healthy heifers that he'll keep in the herd good breeding prospects.
We've entered the season when I have to start wearing jeans. I have never gotten used to this transition. Thoughts and prayers appreciated.
November 21, 2024 at 8:27 PM
We've entered the season when I have to start wearing jeans. I have never gotten used to this transition. Thoughts and prayers appreciated.
I'm here for real now.
November 14, 2024 at 8:33 PM
I'm here for real now.