Poetry is like air. It’s one of the necessary things. Everyone benefits from poetry. And, as you know, poetry is international.
— Nikki Giovanni
Image of a rose with the text "National Poetry Month" and "April"

April is National Poetry Month

"With Bated Breath (In Memory of Greg)" poem by Holly E. Burgess on display outside of Lake Geneva Public Library by a white posterboard attached to a black metal frame.

For National Poetry Month (April), Lake Geneva Public Libraryand Lakeside Books displayed “With Bated Breath (In Memory of Greg) in The Community Poetry Walk (April 16-30th, 2026).

Holly E. Burgess’s Announcement of her poem, “With Bated Breath (In Memory of Greg)”, was displayed in the Community Poetry Walk (April 16-30th) organized by Lake Geneva Public Library and Lakeside Books.

Published poetry

“With Bated Breath (In Memory of Greg).”

2024, 2026

Lake Geneva Public Library & Lakeside Books. National Poetry Month Celebration: The Community Poetry Walk. 16-30 April 2026.


“We’ll Never Have Paris.”

2019

no. XII.

"We'll Never Have Paris"
Holly E. Burgess

“The Beckoning of the Sacred Willows.” 

2019

, no XII. May 2019.

"The Beckoning of the Sacred Willows"
Holly E. Burgess

“Lost Soul.” 

2019

no. XII.

"Lost Soul"
Holly E. Burgess

“From Selma to Ferguson.” 

2019

Straylight Literary Arts Magazine, vol. 13, no. 1, 32.

"From Selma to Ferguson"
Holly E. Burgess

“On My Ancestors’ Backs.” 

2019

Straylight Literary Arts Magazine.

“On My Ancestor’s Backs”
Holly E. Burgess

Poetry readings

“With Bated Breath (In Memory of Greg)”

2024

Issue 16 Launch


“From Selma to Ferguson”

2015

Death and All His Friends Conference
English Department
The University of Wisconsin-Parkside


Video of Holly E. Burgess reciting her poem, “With Bated Breath (In Memory of Greg)”, an ode to her late father, at the Issue 16 Launch in April 2024.

Video of Holly Burgess reciting her poem, “With Bated Breath (In Memory of Greg)” originally published in Marquette Literary Review. On the second anniversary of her father, Greg Burgess’s passing, Holly reflects on the significance of the poem and how her father’s life.