Building Community Through Poetry
The Portsmouth Poet Laureate Program is dedicated to building community through poetry by appointing and supporting an outstanding local poet as Poet Laureate for the city, sponsoring events that feature area poets and authors from outside the New Hampshire Seacoast, and encouraging a love of poetry among people of all ages.
Established in 1997 by local arts organizers and writers, the program brings people together to celebrate the written word and the talents of local and visiting artists.
NH Gives is here! June 9-10
NH Gives is here! Today is the day to give back to your community in only a few minutes! Support PPLP by 5pm on Wed., June 10 to help us reach our goal. With your help, we can cross the finish line strong.
The Comfort Rounds Anthology — Available Now!
Exciting News! The PPLP is delighted that the Comfort Rounds Anthology is now available for purchase from Bee Monk Press via Amazon!
Announcing the Public Poetry Project!
This April, the Portsmouth Poet Laureate Program (PPLP) & City of Portsmouth’s Arts and Cultural Commission are launching the Public Poetry Project.
Deadline Extended for the Comfort Rounds Anthology!
Submit Your Poems to the Comfort Rounds Anthology! Deadline extended to March 5th, 2026!
We are seeking poems that offer support and comfort, not just for Medical Professionals, but for all who help others.
Nominate our next Poet Laureate!
The PPLP Board is now accepting nominations for our next Portsmouth Poet Laureate!
Join Our Board!
The PPLP needs board members!
Be a part of this amazing tradition of building community with poetry.
Submissions for the Comfort Rounds Anthology are now Open!
We are seeking poems to support and uplift Medical Professionals* and welcome your musings, anecdotes, and words of kindness.
Comfort Rounds: Round 3 Centos
Thank you to everyone who attended Comfort Rounds: Round 3, both in-person and on Zoom! These centos were composed of your words by Lauren WB Vermette.
Comfort Rounds are back!
Please join us on Saturday, May 31st, from 12 – 2pm at the Portsmouth Public Library’s Levenson Room for Comfort Rounds 3: Greeting Card Gratitudes, an afternoon of playing with short poems that leap off the page and into the heart.
Painting Poetry – April 8
Our next “Painting Poetry” is coming up! Join us on April 8th for an evening of open mic poetry and improv painting!
