Kakalak evokes the spirit of the Carolinas
from the Outer Banks and Low Country
to the Piedmont and Appalachia.
From the Urban Dictionary, Kakalak literally means “an endearment of the Carolinas.” Originally a regional anthology highlighting North and South Carolina poets and artists, Kakalak now accepts poetry and art from anyone, anywhere—maintaining the spirit of the Carolinas as a broad brush while including topics not specific to North or South Carolina.
From the start, Kakalak represented a wide range of styles and topics and provided varying perspectives on the human experience. And, while the anthology has grown through the years—expanding to embrace current events worldwide—it has always maintained a sense of warmth, of celebration.
Kakalak is a rich medley of colors and textures—in the language of the poets and the visual depth of the artists. While the journal does not claim a set theme, there’s something truly beautiful in how each issue ties together and creates a balance of dark, serious subjects tempered by poignant, light-hearted humor. The prologue in Kakalak 2020 speaks to Kakalak’s mission overall—to reflect how poets have always been voices for the big issues: social justice, faith and spirituality, the environment and nature, family, and sense of place. The poems and art sustain strength in the face of racism, of self-reflection when confronted with poverty, and show readers that home can be as close as the hollers of Appalachia or as far away as Tanzania.
Please Note: Everyone, including myself, volunteers our time to this publication. No one gets paid. We do it because we love the arts and are passionate about the written word. Hopefully, submission fees and book sales cover the cost of prizes and printing costs!
