Written in the Stars
Kansans have long looked to the stars to define who we are. Ad astra per aspera, "To the stars through difficulty," reveals our aspirational visions grounded in a prairie sensibility. Through poetry, Written in the Stars continues this look toward the celestial to find connection and inspiration.
The chapbook features 10 poems that reflect upon the stars and planets of the Kansas night sky with original illustrations by Matthew Willie Garcia. Two essays and guiding questions engage readers in humanities-themed conversations.
...The celestial prompts us to reflect upon the passing of time, of what has been, and to speculate on what could be. The universe tells its story through these lights, and we see our own lives reflected in them.
—Megan Kaminski, editor of Written in the Stars
Edited by Megan Kaminski with poetry by Traci Brimhall, Megan Kaminski, Michael Kleber-Diggs, Hyejung Kook, Ada Limón, Jesse Nathan, Elise Paschen, Naomi Shihab Nye, William Stafford, and Kevin Young. Essays Megan Kaminski and Christopher Auner.
Written in the Stars is made possible by the Friends of Humanities Kansas, the Sunflower Foundation, Kansas Tourism, and the Greater Salina Community Foundation.
Apply to be a Statewide Poetry Partner
Community-based cultural organizations such as libraries, museums, arts centers, and civic groups are invited to apply for copies of Written in the Stars to distribute within their community.
Applicants must be nonprofits based in Kansas. A final report and cost share are required at the end of the initiative.
Final report is due May 31, 2025. (What is cost share? Click here to learn more)
For more information, contact Leslie VonHolten, Director of Grants & Outreach, LVH@humanitieskansas.org.
Please consider a donation to Humanities Kansas to support more programming that shares stories to spark conversations and inspire new insights.