As a metropolis full of creative talent, it’s only natural that some of the city’s most notable writers' desire to spotlight Houston’s myriad literary admirers. Modeled after the national project, the city is creating its own Favorite Poem Project Anthology—a printed, commemorative collection featuring Houstonians’ favorite poetic oeuvres.

Poet Laureate Dr. Robin Davidson leads the project, which calls for poetry enthusiasts across the greater Houston area to submit their most beloved poems with an explanation of what the particular work means to them. Contributors are also able to submit poem recitals via video, which will be posted online.

Dr. Davidson—a professor of English and creative writing at the University of Houston’s downtown campus—will collaborate with fellow local poets for the compilation. Since Houston always embraces its diversity and multicultural vibrancy, poems of all languages and dialects are welcome for the collection.

Writer Robert Pinsky created the national concept after he was appointed as the 39th U.S. Poet Laureate in 1997. He solicited submissions from all across the Country for a selection of more than 1,800 poems. A former student of Pinsky, Dr. Davidson was inspired to coordinate this anthology after she took Pinsky’s Creative Writing Program at the University of Houston. 

“I’ve kept my anthology of favorites to this day and for many years now have asked my own students to develop favorite poem anthologies of their own—always with amazing results,” Dr. Davidson explains in a blog post outlining the endeavor.

The Favorite Poem Project is taking submissions until July 8. For more information, visit houstontx.gov/favoritepoemproject or call 832-393-1313.