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ballast journal
@ballastjournal.bsky.social
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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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ballastjournal.bsky.social
✨Contributor Features from ballast 3.4✨

Here’s Connor Fisher with “The Contaminated Tongue”

www.ballastjournal.com/connor-fishe...

#contributorfeature
#poem
#poems
#ballast
#ConnorFisher
November 30, 2025 at 9:49 PM
ballastjournal.bsky.social
Contributor Features from ballast 3.4!

Here’s Geoffrey Detrani’s “Profanity’s Weight” @geoffreydetrani.bsky.social

www.ballastjournal.com/geoffrey-det...

#contributorfeature
#poem
#poems
#ballast
#GeoffreyDetrani
November 29, 2025 at 9:36 PM
ballastjournal.bsky.social
Contributor Features from ballast 3.4!

Here’s Michael Daley, from “Lowering My Standards”

www.ballastjournal.com/michael-daley

#contributorfeature
#poem
#poems
#ballast
#MichaelDaley
November 26, 2025 at 8:21 PM
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Contributor Features from ballast 3.4!

Here’s Joel Chace, from “[Egress glitch]”

www.ballastjournal.com/joel-chace

#contributorfeature
#poem
#poems
#ballast
#JoelChace
November 25, 2025 at 3:25 PM
ballastjournal.bsky.social
Contributor Features from ballast 3.4 are rolling out!

Here’s Tom Phillips’ translation from the Bulgarian of Tzotcho Boyajiev’s poem “[and when the cart stops for me, drawn]”

www.ballastjournal.com/tzotcho-boya...

#contributorfeature
#poem
#poems
#ballast
#TzotchoBoyajiev
#TomPhillips
The image is a poster for a literary work, featuring a poem by Tzotcho Boyajiev, translated by Tom Phillips, published in ballast issue 3.4. The poster has a red background with black text and an illustration of a horse-drawn carriage.
November 20, 2025 at 11:18 PM
ballastjournal.bsky.social
Contributor Features from ballast 3.4 are rolling out!

Here’s Jerome Berglund with one of this three text/visual pieces from the issue

www.ballastjournal.com/jerome-bergl...

#contributorfeature
#poem
#poems
#ballast
#JeromeBerglund
November 19, 2025 at 1:03 AM
ballastjournal.bsky.social
Co-editor Sara Judy introducing ballast 3.4 and our special “Remarks” feature on modernism

www.ballastjournal.com/issue-34-edi...
November 5, 2025 at 1:44 PM
ballastjournal.bsky.social
ballast issue 3.4 (our last of 2025) is officially unleashed 🛸

www.ballastjournal.com/issue-34-tab...

With Daniel Barbiero, Jerome Berglund, Joel Chace, Michael Daley, @geoffreydetrani.bsky.social, Connor Fisher, J. Freeborn, G Timothy Gordon, Vivian Ia, Jenna Jaco, Ted Jean, David Koehn…1/2
Cover image for ballast issue 3.4. Chalk drawing of three circles with white and red text saying “ballast 3.4 fall 2025”
October 21, 2025 at 12:41 PM
ballastjournal.bsky.social
Contributor Features from ballast 3.3–our final piece before 3.4!

Here’s Nicholas Alti with “Levitation, Hypothetically and Now It’s Eleven, Actually”

www.ballastjournal.com/nicholas-alti

#contributorfeature
#poem
#poems
#ballast
#NicholasAlti
The image is an advertisement for a literary publication, featuring a poem by Nicholas Alti. The title of the poem, "From 'Levitation, Hypothetically and Now It's Eleven, Actually,'" is prominently displayed at the top in bold black text. - *Title and Author* - The title is written in large, bold font. - The author's name, "NICHOLAS ALTI," is displayed above the title. - *Poem Excerpt* - The poem excerpt is presented in smaller black text below the title. - It consists of three stanzas with varying line lengths. - The first stanza reads: "the interstice was introduced and nobody noticed" - The second stanza reads: "phantoms on the railroad, ghouls in the gas station / these hands used to hold, did you know?" - The third stanza reads: "twelve degrees warmer and our world is uninhabitable / could you imagine the magnitude of a body limitless" - *Illustration* - A simple line drawing of a hand holding the Earth is positioned below the poem excerpt. - The hand is depicted with its palm facing upwards, and the Earth is shown with a sun symbol above it. - The illustration is rendered in black lines on an orange background. - *Publication Information* - The publication's name, "ballast 3.3," is displayed in small black text at the bottom right of the image. - The website URL, "ballastjournal.com," is provided below the publication's name.
October 12, 2025 at 11:29 AM
ballastjournal.bsky.social
Contributor Features from ballast 3.3:

Here’s Carol Barrett with “Russian Knapweed”

www.ballastjournal.com/carol-barrett

#contributorfeature
#poem
#poems
#ballast
#CarolBarrett
The image is a poem titled "From 'Russian Knapweed'" by Carol Barrett, presented on a lavender background with black text and illustrations. *Title and Author* The title, "CAROL BARRETT FROM 'RUSSIAN KNAPWEED'", is prominently displayed at the top of the image in large, bold font. *Poem* The poem itself is written in smaller black text below the title: "Aster family, urn-shaped flower head, your thistle-top crown more lavender than lavender. Your bloom edible, though I won't rush to pluck a bouquet for my salad. Your puff of spindly petals tells me where to dig. Thank you for the signpost, sure guide for my weeding frenzy." *Illustrations* At the bottom center of the image, a simple line drawing depicts various plants and flowers, adding a touch of visual interest to the design. *Footer* In the bottom-right corner, the text "ballast 3.3" and "ballastjournal.com" are displayed in small black font.
October 11, 2025 at 11:03 AM
ballastjournal.bsky.social
Contributor Features from ballast 3.3:

Here’s Mary Beth Becker with “Comet”

www.ballastjournal.com/mary-beth-be...

#contributorfeature
#poem
#poems
#ballast
#MaryBethBecker
The image is a digital graphic featuring a poem by Mary Beth Becker, titled "From 'Comet'". The title is prominently displayed in large black text at the top left of the image. Below it, the poem is presented in smaller black text, reading: "you hurtling ragged raptorkiller catalyst rebelheart griefember awl punched through shroud-leather of ozone you lovedrowner you dirtkisser look down here again some of us are really trying" In the top-right corner, an abstract illustration of a comet is depicted in shades of yellow, gray, and white, with a subtle shadow effect. At the bottom left of the image, the text "ballast 3.3" and "ballastjournal.com" are displayed in small black font.
October 9, 2025 at 11:58 PM
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.
October 8, 2025 at 12:13 PM
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.
October 6, 2025 at 11:54 PM
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.
October 5, 2025 at 11:56 PM
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.
October 3, 2025 at 4:12 PM
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.
September 29, 2025 at 9:02 PM
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.
September 21, 2025 at 7:23 PM
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"
September 20, 2025 at 7:06 PM
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"
September 19, 2025 at 1:31 PM
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
September 17, 2025 at 8:17 PM
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.
September 15, 2025 at 8:19 PM
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"
September 8, 2025 at 11:39 PM
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.
September 5, 2025 at 11:10 AM
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.
September 3, 2025 at 10:25 PM
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.
August 29, 2025 at 11:01 AM