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Weathered hands wash dishes at a sink, with strong fingers gripping a sponge and glass under running water. The intimate close-up captures the raw authenticity of Lucinda Zoe's Appalachian poetry, echoing mountain family stories through the daily rituals that define faith up in coal country.

Not One Single Scar

Through vivid imagery and raw emotion, Zoe explores the complexities of faith, family, and identity in the heart of coal country.

By Lucinda Zoe /

I Was a Ferry Among the Stars

A poignant exploration of grief, memory, and the enduring connection to lost loved ones. In the streets of a city haunted by absence, solace is found in the eternal presence of those who have passed.

By Christian J. Collier /
A stylized Southern Appalachian winter landscape illustration in shades of turquoise and white. Inspired by the words of poet Christ Wood, a full moon dominates the night sky, surrounded by concentric circular halos. Snow-covered trees with black trunks frame the scene, their branches laden with white snow. Snowflakes fall throughout the image, creating a dreamy, ethereal atmosphere. The composition curves upward toward the moon, creating a sense of movement and drawing the eye skyward through the snowy forest.

Dear Winter

Deep in the heart of the season, this Tennessee poet tells winter to bring it on.

By Chris Wood /

When the World Opens Up

Christian J. Collier, a rising voice in Southern poetry, explores loss, faith, and the complexities of Black identity in the South. His work challenges traditional masculinity and interrogates the divine.

By Andy Fogle /

The Recklessness of Faith

President Jimmy Carter’s ultimate lesson to us might have been his faith in faith itself.

By Chuck Reece /
A South Sudanese refugee wearing a yellow hoodie smiles at the camera while standing in front of the Carter Presidential Center entrance. Behind him are two bronze statues depicting African figures, and a small fountain is visible in the background. The Center’s name is prominently displayed in large letters above the entrance.

Like a Prayer: Jimmy Carter Through a Refugee’s Eyes

As the world prepares to bid farewell to Jimmy Carter, a refugee’s visit to his presidential library reveals the far-reaching impact of his post-presidency work.

By Doug Cumming /
Hands holding vertical wooden studs as they raise the wall of a new house, against a blue sky background, with light-colored lumber arranged in a parallel pattern. Multiple pairs of hands are visible gripping the wooden beams.

Why We Keep Building Houses

South Carolina poet Ray McManus maps what matters in this tribute to the late president.

By Ray McManus /
Former President Jimmy Carter, wearing a white Habitat for Humanity baseball cap, turquoise shirt, and red bandana, smiles while painting a door frame during a 1992 home-building project. His paint-covered hands hold a brush.

Jimmy Carter: A Southern Giant of Peace and Service

Chuck Reece was a teenager when he first shook Carter’s hand, not knowing the man would transcend politics to become a global force for good. A few words from one Southerner about another’s century-long dedication to peace, equality, and human dignity.

By Chuck Reece /

The Editor’s Favorite Writing

Our editor-in-chief picks his favorite pieces from Salvation South in 2024.

By Chuck Reece /
A black and white duotone photograph showing two men in a side-by-side portrait composition. On the left is music historian Peter Guralnick, a smiling man with glasses and light-colored hair, while on the right is soul-music legend William Bell wearing a dark fedora and sporting a neatly trimmed beard, photographed in dramatic lighting that emphasizes his thoughtful expression.

Movement Music

Soul music wasn’t just about rhythm and blues—it was the soundtrack of the Civil Rights Movement, breaking down racial barriers and fueling the Southern dream of freedom.

By Chuck Reece /

The Prose Editor’s Favorite Poems, and the Poetry Editor’s Favorite Prose

In a role reversal, Salvation South’s poetry editor Andy Fogle and editor-in-chief Chuck Reece showcase their favorite prose and poetry pieces from 2024.

By Chuck Reece and Andy Fogle /

The Poetry Editor’s Favorite Poems

Our poetry editor picks his favorite poems from Salvation South in 2024.

By Andy Fogle /
Close-up shot of a road bike in motion, showing the wheels, chainring, and pedals with black cycling shoes. The image has a dynamic motion blur effect with a yellow-tinted background. The bike appears to be orange or red in color, with black tires and a water bottle mounted on the frame. A dramatic shadow of the bicycle wheel is cast on the ground beneath.

The Demon’s Backbone

A long, early-morning bike ride sparks recollections of a long-ago friendship—with its unspoken words and unresolved tensions.

By Tad Bartlett /