Pelican Bomb has a brief essay on a new set of wetlands-themed murals being exhibited this week at Isidore Newman School in New Orleans. For any in this area, stop by for the reception on Wednesday– the students did a fantastic job.

What a pleasure it is in the middle not just of National Poetry Month but of National Library Week to join the Hattiesburg Public Library’s “Lunch with Books” program. Tomorrow, Tuesday the 14th, I’ll be reading from Hattiesburg at 12 noon, with a discussion — and dessert — to follow. With much of the material for the book coming from the Library’s own collections, it’s an especial joy to join them for the afternoon.

Registration is $10, available from the Library in advance or at the door. Come for the book, stay for the ice cream– rumor has it it’s made in-house.

New at Pelican Bomb is an investigation into the history of stained glass in New Orleans, particularly the Emil Frei Studio in St. Louis, the best-represented glass studio in the city. Accompanying the piece is a new feature by the editors of the site, Image Universe, a fascinating visual essay on the medium. Well worth a moment’s wander over.

At long last, the 2015 Tennessee Williams Festival starts today — hope to see everyone Sunday morning at the publishing panel at 10am. Mimosas and Bloody Marys welcome, we promise — just so long as you bring enough to share.

What a joy and pleasure it is to serve again as one of the judges for this year’s state Poetry Out Loud contest, held in Jackson. Rescheduled due to adverse weather two weeks ago, the contest will feature nine contestants from around the state reciting modern and classic works before a live audience. A room full of poetry lovers – what more could one ask? For those in the Jackson area, the contest begins tomorrow, Monday the 15th, at 1pm at the Mississippi Public Broadcasting studios.

[Update: Congratulations to Joy Carino for her superb performance at this year’s finals, and for her upcoming trip to represent Mississippi in the national competition in April! The Clarion-Ledger has the story here.]