THE POETRY PENPAL PROJECT
Sharing lines. Swapping stanzas. Making friends.
In a world of quick scrolls and vanishing messages, let’s return to the art of tucking your handwriting in an envelope.
The Poetry Penpal Project is a gentle invitation to slow down, to listen and to connect, through the simple act of writing and receiving poems by post.
When you sign up, you’ll be paired with a fellow poetry penpal: someone who, like you, believes in the quiet magic of paper and ink. Together, you’ll take part in a small but mighty exchange: poems sent across miles, hearts meeting between lines, postage becoming poetry.
No rules. No pressure. Just the joy of giving language some wings.
WHEN YOU JOIN
You’ll receive:
A super simple snail mailstarter kit with a few prompts to inspire your first exchange
A thoughtfully matched poetry penpal to share your words with :)
HOW IT WORKS
Over the course of winter and early spring, you’ll exchange three poems with your pen pal. They might be originals or favorites, handwritten or typewritten…it’s all welcome. Think of it as a shared ritual of noticing: a practice in sending small pieces of yourself into the world and receiving something tender in return.
ready to put pen to paper?
SUGGESTED DONATION: $5-$10
Your contribution helps cover stamps, stickers, paper, and a bit of postal magic to keep this exchange in motion. Because somewhere between pen and postage, poem and person… connection happens. Donate here.
UPDATE: In that same spirit of care and connection, 30% of proceeds will be donated to UNIDOS MN, an immigrant led organization investing in long term community building, leadership, and collective care.