A reclamation of the narrative of rural and small towns and reservations across the United States, Discarded is an anthology holding the works of 63 artists with place-based relationships to 27 states. Informed by the front porch and the frontlines, this anthology explores the power of narrative-shaping in the face of erasure, blame, and discredit. Discarded has cooked up poems, essays, and songs that show a glimpse into who we are. We hope you’ll join us to feast.
Discarded, a Rural Anthology, by Belle Townsend
Belle Townsend (she/they) is a writer and organizer from Robards, KY, living and working between Louisville and Frankfort. They are the Communications Director for the Kentucky AFL-CIO and Editor-in-Chief of Backwoods Literary Press. Belle has self-published three chapbooks—Push and Pull, The Observer Effect, and The Holy in the Humdrum. Passionate about workers’ rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and fostering artistic and community spaces, they spend their free time with their partner and beloved kitties.