Poetry Guidelines

Poetry must be as new as foam, and as old as rock.—Emerson

The Mennonite seeks to help readers glorify God, grow in faith and become agents of healing and hope in the world. Our readers are primarily people in Mennonite churches.

The Mennonite looks for fresh, honest and creative poetry dealing with, at least tangentially, religious themes. Christian or Anabaptist thought need not be explicit in the poems. The Mennonite prefers poetry in a reflective voice, speaking of authentic human experience in the world and/or interaction with God. The best way to get a sense of the type of poetry we consider is to look at back issues of the magazine.

We generally cannot print longer poems because of space constraints; the editors may, however, consider longer-length poems depending on their quality. We prefer poems sent via email. Please include name, address and phone number. If sent by regular mail, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Writers are welcome to submit as many or as few poems as they wish, but keep it reasonable. A cover letter is helpful but not necessary.

Email queries or submissions to Gordon Houser, associate editor for features, at GordonH@TheMennonite.org. Mailing address: Box 347, Newton, KS 67114.