Between the Mangroves: Poetry

Overview
Between the Mangroves is an anthology series that draws its name and inspiration from the mangrove ecosystems of Southwest Florida—landscapes defined by their resilience in the face of constant erosion. The project is rooted in a specific region but seeks to engage with universal experiences of place, change, and belonging. For its inaugural edition, the editors invite poets to explore the theme of Erosion, interpreted broadly as both a destructive and transformative force. The anthology aims to gather work that reflects on how erosion shapes coastlines, ecosystems, and human lives, and how it leaves behind evidence of time's passage. As a no-fee publication, Between the Mangroves is committed to accessibility and inclusivity, welcoming submissions from poets at all stages of their careers. While the anthology has a regional anchor, it is open to diverse perspectives and interpretations of the theme. The editors are interested in work that engages with the complexities of erosion—whether literal or metaphorical—and that demonstrates a thoughtful, nuanced approach to language and imagery. The inaugural edition seeks to establish a curatorial vision that balances local specificity with broader resonance, creating a collection that speaks to both the particularities of Southwest Florida and the shared human experience of living with change. Poets selected for publication will have their work featured in a professionally curated anthology, contributing to a conversation about place, environment, and resilience. The anthology will be available online, reaching a wide audience. The editors value work that is carefully crafted, emotionally resonant, and intellectually engaging, and they encourage submissions that take risks and push the boundaries of poetic form and content.