Ancient City Poets

08/31/2026

08/05/2026

Many thanks to Historic Coast Culture and St. Johns Cultural Council for their annual contest during National Poetry Month (April).

How do you capture 250 years of American history in just 17 syllables? ✍️

“We fight for justice
under the arms of the oaks
forever freedom”

— Marie W., St. Johns Cultural Council Haiku Contest Winner (Ages 8–12)

Inspired by this year's theme, "From Revolution to Renewal: America's 250th," this powerful haiku uses the evocative phrase "under the arms of oaks" to allude to the armed fight for justice while also calling to mind the iconic oak canopy of St. Augustine's Magnolia Avenue.

Discover the judge's thoughts, and see the other winners here: https://bit.ly/SJCCHaiku2026

07/25/2026

The poetry Train of Thought keeps rolling month after month. Lets get together at the Waterworks this Sunday for the July Poetry Open Mic - 07/26/26

07/22/2026

Gather at the Waterworks on the last Sunday of the month for Poetry Open Mic with Ancient City Poets!

Poets and poetry fans gather on July 26th at The Waterworks (184 San Marco Avenue, across from the Main Branch of the St. Johns County Library). Poets of all skill levels are given an opportunity to share their poems with a loving and supportive audience.

Give them two or three of your polished poems or share fresh ink from your notebook. Invite a friend or two or three to cheer you on.
A sign-up sheet will be available at 2:30 and the open mic will start at 3:00 PM. Readers will be called to the podium in the order their names appear on the list. The mic will be turned off at 4:30 to allow the last 30 minutes for a meet and greet and networking.

07/11/2026

John Stinson lays it down at the June 2026 open mic

07/11/2026

New poet at the June 2026 open mic

06/24/2026

Let’s get together at the Waterworks to face and embrace our creative poetry community.

Poets and poetry fans will gather on June 28th at The Waterworks (184 San Marco Avenue, across from the Main Branch of the St. Johns County Library). Poets of all skill levels are given an opportunity to share their poems with a loving and supportive audience.

Give them two or three of your polished poems or share fresh ink from your notebook. Invite a friend or two or three to cheer you on.

A sign-up sheet will be available at 2:30 and the open mic will start at 3:00 PM. Readers will be called to the podium in the order their names appear on the list. The mic will be turned off at 4:30 to allow the last 30 minutes for a meet and greet and networking.