Chattanooga, Tennessee, October 5, 2025
News Summary
Chattanooga poet Kelly Watts Williams has published her debut book, ‘A Feast for the Hunger We All Have: A 12-Course Buffet of Poetry’. The collection showcases a blend of traditional and free-verse poems, with unique QR codes that allow readers to listen to her performances. Williams, who started her poetry journey at an open-mic night, continues to engage with her community through various poetry events and projects, including the Poetry Pathway project that brings poetry into public spaces.
Chattanooga, Tennessee is home to spoken-word artist and poet Kelly Watts Williams, who has recently published her debut poetry book titled “A Feast for the Hunger We All Have: A 12-Course Buffet of Poetry.” The book has quickly become a top-earning title across all formats on Amazon, showcasing Williams’ diverse poetic talents.
The inspiration for her poetry often comes from her personal experiences. Williams expresses a fear that every poem she writes could be her last, which drives her to create. She utilizes a small worn pocket journal adorned with a fading image of a black sunflower to jot down her thoughts, often scribbling with a mechanical pencil while traveling. Normally, she writes one to two poems each week, aided by her participation in various poetry challenges.
Williams began her journey into poetry four years ago, when she performed her first poem at an open-mic night on a dare. Since then, she has actively participated in poetry circles and spoken-word events in Chattanooga, honing her craft and gaining recognition in the local poetry community.
Her recently published book offers a mix of traditional and free-verse poems that resonate with a wide audience both in Chattanooga and beyond. Notably, the book features QR codes that provide an auditory experience of the poetry, allowing readers to listen to the poems being performed.
Alongside her book launch, Williams is also involved in the Poetry Pathway project, sponsored by Chattanooga’s Office of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy and the Rhyme N Chatt Interactive Poetry organization. This project seeks to integrate poetry into public spaces such as Renaissance Park, where visitors can engage with poetry while enjoying the natural surroundings. At the second stop along the Poetry Pathway, Williams’ poem “Suddenly Spring Strikes the Senses” is prominently displayed.
Marsha Mills, president of Rhyme N Chatt, emphasizes the importance of interactive experiences that connect poets with their audiences, particularly through the QR code feature that enhances the experience of enjoying poetry in public venues.
Williams’ poetry often reflects her identity and experiences as an Air Force kid, performance artist, mother, and retiree. Some of her lighthearted works include pieces like “da’ Bears” and “Ode to Apple Pie,” while her poem “Retirement Requirement” discusses the joys and unpredictability of retirement. Through her writing, she routinely explores themes of identity and the tendency for society to label and categorize individuals.
In addition to her literary pursuits, Williams remains active in the community by participating in local spoken-word events. Rhyme N Chatt hosts monthly open-mic nights called Fresh Out the Shoebox, providing a platform for both new and seasoned poets. The Poetry Society of Tennessee is also nurturing the next generation of poets by opening contests for students and college students in Tennessee.
Summary of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Author | Kelly Watts Williams |
| Book Title | A Feast for the Hunger We All Have: A 12-Course Buffet of Poetry |
| Publication Achievement | Top-earning title across all formats on Amazon |
| Poetry Pathway Project | Showcases poetry in public park spaces |
| Featured Poem | Suddenly Spring Strikes the Senses |
| Community Events | Fresh Out the Shoebox open-mic nights |
| Themes Explored | Identity, retirement, and personal experiences |
FAQ Section
Who is Kelly Watts Williams?
Kelly Watts Williams is a spoken-word artist and poet from Chattanooga, Tennessee.
What is the title of Kelly Watts Williams’ new poetry book?
The title of her book is “A Feast for the Hunger We All Have: A 12-Course Buffet of Poetry.”
What themes does Kelly Watts Williams address in her poetry?
Williams often addresses themes of identity and the human tendency to label and categorize.
What is the Poetry Pathway project?
The Poetry Pathway project aims to display poetry in public spaces like Renaissance Park, featuring markers with QR codes for visitors to engage with the poetry audibly.
How did Kelly Watts Williams get started in poetry?
Williams performed her first poem on a dare at an open-mic night four years ago.
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Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Chattanooga Poet Explores Culture and Community
- Bitter Southerner: Six Poems by Coleman Barks
- Chattanooga Pulse: Poetry Society Announces Contests for Students
- Chattanooga Pulse: Rap Poetry RIP Movement Performance Showcase
- Nooga Today: Local Authors in Chattanooga
- Wikipedia: Poetry
- Google Search: Chattanooga poets
- Google Scholar: Chattanooga poetry
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Poetry
- Google News: Chattanooga poet
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