Valerie A. Smith, Back to Alabama, Sundress '24
@valeriesmithpoetry.bsky.social
Poet. Teacher. Author of Back to Alabama www.valeriesmithwriter.com
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Six years in, and I just got the title to match the work. 🎓
Reviewed by my Department Chair, my Dean, the Provost, and ultimately approved by the President. Every level said yes.
Six years down. Grateful for every section, every student, every lesson that made me better at this.
Reviewed by my Department Chair, my Dean, the Provost, and ultimately approved by the President. Every level said yes.
Six years down. Grateful for every section, every student, every lesson that made me better at this.
September 17, 2026 at 2:01 PM
Six years in, and I just got the title to match the work. 🎓
Reviewed by my Department Chair, my Dean, the Provost, and ultimately approved by the President. Every level said yes.
Six years down. Grateful for every section, every student, every lesson that made me better at this.
Reviewed by my Department Chair, my Dean, the Provost, and ultimately approved by the President. Every level said yes.
Six years down. Grateful for every section, every student, every lesson that made me better at this.
There are some journeys you never really leave behind.
Back to Alabama began as a return, not simply to a place, but to memories, family stories, questions, traditions, and the pieces of ourselves that time cannot erase.
Back to Alabama began as a return, not simply to a place, but to memories, family stories, questions, traditions, and the pieces of ourselves that time cannot erase.
July 31, 2026 at 4:02 PM
There are some journeys you never really leave behind.
Back to Alabama began as a return, not simply to a place, but to memories, family stories, questions, traditions, and the pieces of ourselves that time cannot erase.
Back to Alabama began as a return, not simply to a place, but to memories, family stories, questions, traditions, and the pieces of ourselves that time cannot erase.
Teaching poetry is about so much more than interpreting words on a page. It is an opportunity to engage with the world around us, ask meaningful questions, and explore the experiences that shape our lives.
July 29, 2026 at 2:03 PM
Teaching poetry is about so much more than interpreting words on a page. It is an opportunity to engage with the world around us, ask meaningful questions, and explore the experiences that shape our lives.
Some places become sacred not because of where they are, but because of what happens there.
The Carpet is a poem born from memory, faith, surrender, and transformation. It reflects on the ordinary things that quietly absorb our prayers, our tears, our questions, and our becoming.
The Carpet is a poem born from memory, faith, surrender, and transformation. It reflects on the ordinary things that quietly absorb our prayers, our tears, our questions, and our becoming.
July 27, 2026 at 4:04 PM
Some places become sacred not because of where they are, but because of what happens there.
The Carpet is a poem born from memory, faith, surrender, and transformation. It reflects on the ordinary things that quietly absorb our prayers, our tears, our questions, and our becoming.
The Carpet is a poem born from memory, faith, surrender, and transformation. It reflects on the ordinary things that quietly absorb our prayers, our tears, our questions, and our becoming.
Every book has a story behind it.
Back to Alabama was born from memory, family, heritage, and the places that continue to shape who we are long after we've left them. Through poetry, I explore the threads that connect us to home, to history, and to ourselves.
Back to Alabama was born from memory, family, heritage, and the places that continue to shape who we are long after we've left them. Through poetry, I explore the threads that connect us to home, to history, and to ourselves.
July 24, 2026 at 12:02 PM
Every book has a story behind it.
Back to Alabama was born from memory, family, heritage, and the places that continue to shape who we are long after we've left them. Through poetry, I explore the threads that connect us to home, to history, and to ourselves.
Back to Alabama was born from memory, family, heritage, and the places that continue to shape who we are long after we've left them. Through poetry, I explore the threads that connect us to home, to history, and to ourselves.
Growth often begins with saying yes to something that scares you.
For me, that meant going back to school, pursuing a master's degree, and walking into my first poetry workshop with more questions than answers.
The experience stretched me, challenged me, and ultimately transformed me.
For me, that meant going back to school, pursuing a master's degree, and walking into my first poetry workshop with more questions than answers.
The experience stretched me, challenged me, and ultimately transformed me.
July 23, 2026 at 3:03 PM
Growth often begins with saying yes to something that scares you.
For me, that meant going back to school, pursuing a master's degree, and walking into my first poetry workshop with more questions than answers.
The experience stretched me, challenged me, and ultimately transformed me.
For me, that meant going back to school, pursuing a master's degree, and walking into my first poetry workshop with more questions than answers.
The experience stretched me, challenged me, and ultimately transformed me.
Sometimes healing arrives quietly.
Not with grand announcements, but with a piece of fruit, a word of encouragement, a reminder that barren ground is not the end of the story.
"Expert of the Apricot Groves" is a poem about recovery, renewal, and the people who help us recognize the harvests
Not with grand announcements, but with a piece of fruit, a word of encouragement, a reminder that barren ground is not the end of the story.
"Expert of the Apricot Groves" is a poem about recovery, renewal, and the people who help us recognize the harvests
July 20, 2026 at 12:03 PM
Sometimes healing arrives quietly.
Not with grand announcements, but with a piece of fruit, a word of encouragement, a reminder that barren ground is not the end of the story.
"Expert of the Apricot Groves" is a poem about recovery, renewal, and the people who help us recognize the harvests
Not with grand announcements, but with a piece of fruit, a word of encouragement, a reminder that barren ground is not the end of the story.
"Expert of the Apricot Groves" is a poem about recovery, renewal, and the people who help us recognize the harvests
Sis, if God gave you the gift, He meant for you to use it. Sometimes it’s easy to feel small in a room full of big talent, but remember: your voice, your gift, your purpose, they’re all intentional. It’s ministry. It’s a calling. It’s YOU. 🙌🏾 Don’t let self-doubt steal what God has given you
July 15, 2026 at 4:10 PM
Sis, if God gave you the gift, He meant for you to use it. Sometimes it’s easy to feel small in a room full of big talent, but remember: your voice, your gift, your purpose, they’re all intentional. It’s ministry. It’s a calling. It’s YOU. 🙌🏾 Don’t let self-doubt steal what God has given you
There are seasons when we are called to labor, and there are seasons when we are called to trust.
"Neither the One Who Plants" is a meditation on waiting, faith, renewal, and the quiet kindness found in God's timing.
"Neither the One Who Plants" is a meditation on waiting, faith, renewal, and the quiet kindness found in God's timing.
July 13, 2026 at 2:04 PM
There are seasons when we are called to labor, and there are seasons when we are called to trust.
"Neither the One Who Plants" is a meditation on waiting, faith, renewal, and the quiet kindness found in God's timing.
"Neither the One Who Plants" is a meditation on waiting, faith, renewal, and the quiet kindness found in God's timing.
Whether Alabama is your home or simply a place you've passed through, I hope these poems meet you wherever you are and remind you that our roots continue to nourish us, even from a distance.
📖 Back to Alabama is available now for $20.
💚 Cash App: $kv25549
💙 PayPal: @vsmithpoetry
#BackToAlabama
📖 Back to Alabama is available now for $20.
💚 Cash App: $kv25549
💙 PayPal: @vsmithpoetry
#BackToAlabama
July 11, 2026 at 12:02 PM
Whether Alabama is your home or simply a place you've passed through, I hope these poems meet you wherever you are and remind you that our roots continue to nourish us, even from a distance.
📖 Back to Alabama is available now for $20.
💚 Cash App: $kv25549
💙 PayPal: @vsmithpoetry
#BackToAlabama
📖 Back to Alabama is available now for $20.
💚 Cash App: $kv25549
💙 PayPal: @vsmithpoetry
#BackToAlabama
I'm grateful for opportunities to share the stories and inspirations behind the collection.
In 2024, I had the pleasure of being interviewed by The Sundress Blog, where I discussed poetry, family history, faith, Southern roots, and the experiences that shaped this book.
In 2024, I had the pleasure of being interviewed by The Sundress Blog, where I discussed poetry, family history, faith, Southern roots, and the experiences that shaped this book.
July 9, 2026 at 2:02 PM
I'm grateful for opportunities to share the stories and inspirations behind the collection.
In 2024, I had the pleasure of being interviewed by The Sundress Blog, where I discussed poetry, family history, faith, Southern roots, and the experiences that shaped this book.
In 2024, I had the pleasure of being interviewed by The Sundress Blog, where I discussed poetry, family history, faith, Southern roots, and the experiences that shaped this book.
From my roots at Georgia State University and Kennesaw State to the humbling experiences as a 2022 Tennessee Williams Scholar and 2020 Hambidge Center resident, this path has been a blend of storytelling, learning, and love for the craft.
Thank you for welcoming me into your space
Thank you for welcoming me into your space
July 6, 2026 at 4:08 PM
From my roots at Georgia State University and Kennesaw State to the humbling experiences as a 2022 Tennessee Williams Scholar and 2020 Hambidge Center resident, this path has been a blend of storytelling, learning, and love for the craft.
Thank you for welcoming me into your space
Thank you for welcoming me into your space
My grandmother, Southern steel and Sunday elegance, bold enough to snatch a snake mid-conversation, yet gentle enough to heal with her hands. She walked heavy, lived boldly, and never let fear call the shots.
#LegacyOfStrength #WomenWhoRaisedUs #AncestralPower #SouthernGrit #BlackWomenStories
#LegacyOfStrength #WomenWhoRaisedUs #AncestralPower #SouthernGrit #BlackWomenStories
July 1, 2026 at 2:32 PM
My grandmother, Southern steel and Sunday elegance, bold enough to snatch a snake mid-conversation, yet gentle enough to heal with her hands. She walked heavy, lived boldly, and never let fear call the shots.
#LegacyOfStrength #WomenWhoRaisedUs #AncestralPower #SouthernGrit #BlackWomenStories
#LegacyOfStrength #WomenWhoRaisedUs #AncestralPower #SouthernGrit #BlackWomenStories
This moment from the University System of Georgia Teaching & Learning Conference already feels like a chapter tucked between the pages of a very full year.
We gather as educators, researchers, writers, mentors, and learners, each carrying our own questions, experiences, and service for students.
We gather as educators, researchers, writers, mentors, and learners, each carrying our own questions, experiences, and service for students.
June 29, 2026 at 4:06 PM
This moment from the University System of Georgia Teaching & Learning Conference already feels like a chapter tucked between the pages of a very full year.
We gather as educators, researchers, writers, mentors, and learners, each carrying our own questions, experiences, and service for students.
We gather as educators, researchers, writers, mentors, and learners, each carrying our own questions, experiences, and service for students.
Every book has a story behind it.
'Back to Alabama' was born from memory, family, heritage, and the places that continue to shape who we are long after we've left them. Through poetry, I explore the threads that connect us to home, to history, and to ourselves.
'Back to Alabama' was born from memory, family, heritage, and the places that continue to shape who we are long after we've left them. Through poetry, I explore the threads that connect us to home, to history, and to ourselves.
June 27, 2026 at 3:03 PM
Every book has a story behind it.
'Back to Alabama' was born from memory, family, heritage, and the places that continue to shape who we are long after we've left them. Through poetry, I explore the threads that connect us to home, to history, and to ourselves.
'Back to Alabama' was born from memory, family, heritage, and the places that continue to shape who we are long after we've left them. Through poetry, I explore the threads that connect us to home, to history, and to ourselves.
2026 has been such a blur.
As I look back through the moments that have shaped this year, I came across this memory from the Faculty Reading: Celebration of New Faculty Publications at Kennesaw State University on March 26.
As I look back through the moments that have shaped this year, I came across this memory from the Faculty Reading: Celebration of New Faculty Publications at Kennesaw State University on March 26.
June 26, 2026 at 12:01 PM
2026 has been such a blur.
As I look back through the moments that have shaped this year, I came across this memory from the Faculty Reading: Celebration of New Faculty Publications at Kennesaw State University on March 26.
As I look back through the moments that have shaped this year, I came across this memory from the Faculty Reading: Celebration of New Faculty Publications at Kennesaw State University on March 26.
As a poet, I believe our stories matter. They connect generations, preserve history, and help us understand one another a little more deeply.
If you enjoy poetry that speaks to the heart, honors culture, and reflects on life's journeys, I invite you to take this journey with me.
📖 Back to Alabama
If you enjoy poetry that speaks to the heart, honors culture, and reflects on life's journeys, I invite you to take this journey with me.
📖 Back to Alabama
June 25, 2026 at 8:42 AM
As a poet, I believe our stories matter. They connect generations, preserve history, and help us understand one another a little more deeply.
If you enjoy poetry that speaks to the heart, honors culture, and reflects on life's journeys, I invite you to take this journey with me.
📖 Back to Alabama
If you enjoy poetry that speaks to the heart, honors culture, and reflects on life's journeys, I invite you to take this journey with me.
📖 Back to Alabama
Time has a way of moving faster than we realize.
It was a privilege to spend time with Fred Perryman, Gregory Andrews (brother of the late author Raymond Andrews), and Randy Latimer, nephew of renowned artist Benny Andrews, who was scheduled to share remarks at the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center.
It was a privilege to spend time with Fred Perryman, Gregory Andrews (brother of the late author Raymond Andrews), and Randy Latimer, nephew of renowned artist Benny Andrews, who was scheduled to share remarks at the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center.
June 24, 2026 at 5:53 PM
Time has a way of moving faster than we realize.
It was a privilege to spend time with Fred Perryman, Gregory Andrews (brother of the late author Raymond Andrews), and Randy Latimer, nephew of renowned artist Benny Andrews, who was scheduled to share remarks at the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center.
It was a privilege to spend time with Fred Perryman, Gregory Andrews (brother of the late author Raymond Andrews), and Randy Latimer, nephew of renowned artist Benny Andrews, who was scheduled to share remarks at the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center.
Last month, My heart was filled with joy! I had the tremendous honor to serve as Judge for the Raymond Andrews Prize. Congrats to Tenley and all the finalists for writing such amazing stories. Thank you Jesse Freeman, Morgan County African American Museum, and the Raymond Andrews Family.
May 25, 2026 at 4:15 PM
Last month, My heart was filled with joy! I had the tremendous honor to serve as Judge for the Raymond Andrews Prize. Congrats to Tenley and all the finalists for writing such amazing stories. Thank you Jesse Freeman, Morgan County African American Museum, and the Raymond Andrews Family.
I’m honored to be one of the contributors featured in White Winged Doves: A Stevie Nicks Poetry Anthology, a project celebrating the artistry, spirit, and legacy of the iconic Stevie Nicks.
Join us virtually for a special reading alongside e
Reserve your spot here:
tinyurl.com/3f3bemk5
Join us virtually for a special reading alongside e
Reserve your spot here:
tinyurl.com/3f3bemk5
White Winged Doves: A Stevie Nicks Poetry Anthology Virtual Reading - Zoom Webinar - May 26th 2026 | Afton Tickets
White Winged Doves: A Stevie Nicks Poetry Anthology Virtual Reading | Zoom Webinar | May 26th 2026
tinyurl.com
May 21, 2026 at 2:01 PM
I’m honored to be one of the contributors featured in White Winged Doves: A Stevie Nicks Poetry Anthology, a project celebrating the artistry, spirit, and legacy of the iconic Stevie Nicks.
Join us virtually for a special reading alongside e
Reserve your spot here:
tinyurl.com/3f3bemk5
Join us virtually for a special reading alongside e
Reserve your spot here:
tinyurl.com/3f3bemk5
There’s something sacred about witnessing young voices find their rhythm on the page… and this year’s Raymond Andrews Prize for Creative Writing reminded me just how powerful that is.
As guest judge, I had the honor of reading work that was rich with imagination, honesty, and courage.
As guest judge, I had the honor of reading work that was rich with imagination, honesty, and courage.
April 17, 2026 at 5:50 PM
There’s something sacred about witnessing young voices find their rhythm on the page… and this year’s Raymond Andrews Prize for Creative Writing reminded me just how powerful that is.
As guest judge, I had the honor of reading work that was rich with imagination, honesty, and courage.
As guest judge, I had the honor of reading work that was rich with imagination, honesty, and courage.
For #NationalPoetryMonth, we’re lifting the verses that break chains and build bridges amplifying the voices that spark revolutions in silence.
🎤 Drop a 🔊 if these words found you.
#SpokenWord #PoetryReel #BlackPoetsMatter #WordIsBond #NationalPoetryMonth #PoetryAsResistance
🎤 Drop a 🔊 if these words found you.
#SpokenWord #PoetryReel #BlackPoetsMatter #WordIsBond #NationalPoetryMonth #PoetryAsResistance
April 9, 2026 at 12:31 PM
For #NationalPoetryMonth, we’re lifting the verses that break chains and build bridges amplifying the voices that spark revolutions in silence.
🎤 Drop a 🔊 if these words found you.
#SpokenWord #PoetryReel #BlackPoetsMatter #WordIsBond #NationalPoetryMonth #PoetryAsResistance
🎤 Drop a 🔊 if these words found you.
#SpokenWord #PoetryReel #BlackPoetsMatter #WordIsBond #NationalPoetryMonth #PoetryAsResistance
I’m honored to be presenting at the Popular Culture Association 2026 Annual Conference in Atlanta, where scholars and storytellers from around the world gather to explore the meaning woven into culture.
If you’re in the room, come sit with me.
#PCACON2026 #PlaceBasedPoetry #PoetryMonth
If you’re in the room, come sit with me.
#PCACON2026 #PlaceBasedPoetry #PoetryMonth
April 8, 2026 at 12:01 PM
I’m honored to be presenting at the Popular Culture Association 2026 Annual Conference in Atlanta, where scholars and storytellers from around the world gather to explore the meaning woven into culture.
If you’re in the room, come sit with me.
#PCACON2026 #PlaceBasedPoetry #PoetryMonth
If you’re in the room, come sit with me.
#PCACON2026 #PlaceBasedPoetry #PoetryMonth
April said bring your truth to the mic… so here we are. 🎤✨
Some words don’t get written this month, they rise up, unannounced, like they’ve been waiting on you.
This womb survived. This body carried. This soul? Still standing ten toes down.
Some words don’t get written this month, they rise up, unannounced, like they’ve been waiting on you.
This womb survived. This body carried. This soul? Still standing ten toes down.
April 6, 2026 at 8:50 PM
April said bring your truth to the mic… so here we are. 🎤✨
Some words don’t get written this month, they rise up, unannounced, like they’ve been waiting on you.
This womb survived. This body carried. This soul? Still standing ten toes down.
Some words don’t get written this month, they rise up, unannounced, like they’ve been waiting on you.
This womb survived. This body carried. This soul? Still standing ten toes down.
From the Underground Railroad to Queen & Slim, Black stories have always been about escape, survival, and the pursuit of freedom, even when the road is uncertain. 🚗💨
Drop a ✊🏾 if you’re still walking in the legacy of those who ran before us.
#BlackHistory #QueenAndSlim #OurStoriesMatter
Drop a ✊🏾 if you’re still walking in the legacy of those who ran before us.
#BlackHistory #QueenAndSlim #OurStoriesMatter
February 27, 2026 at 1:06 PM
From the Underground Railroad to Queen & Slim, Black stories have always been about escape, survival, and the pursuit of freedom, even when the road is uncertain. 🚗💨
Drop a ✊🏾 if you’re still walking in the legacy of those who ran before us.
#BlackHistory #QueenAndSlim #OurStoriesMatter
Drop a ✊🏾 if you’re still walking in the legacy of those who ran before us.
#BlackHistory #QueenAndSlim #OurStoriesMatter