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Image of a Greek column that goes with poet Gary Grossman's poem about Athens Georgia history, and Southern college town history.

History Lesson, Athens, Georgia

A poet-ecologist’s morning run becomes a journey through time, revealing the layered history of a Southern college town.

By Gary Grossman /
A vintage black and white engraving repeated in quadrants shows a majestic buck deer with full antlers standing alert in a woodland setting, accompanied by resting does. The image accompanies Paul Jones' new poetry collection in Salvation South magazine. In the background, additional deer graze peacefully. The detailed crosshatching and classical style of the illustration evokes themes of natural dignity, endurance, and timeless relationships in the American wilderness. The mirrored composition creates a symmetrical pattern that reinforces themes of reflection and contemplation.

Fallen Monuments and Faithful Love

Nature is delicate. Lies are persistent. Love is steadfast.

By Paul Jones /
Against a red and white striped fabric background reminiscent of a vintage tablecloth, a painted illustration shows a half-eaten apple core and three whole red apples. The core reveals pale flesh within its reddish-brown exterior, while the whole apples display subtle green undertones in their deep red coloring, creating a poignant scene that reflects Carrie Green's poem about family memories and grief through food symbolism.

Eating Apples

A family memory—as small as how Uncle Buck ate an apple—connects generations, even through loss and grief.

By Carrie Green /
Artistic illustration depicting a blues musician bent over a red guitar, wearing a striped shirt and seated in a wooden chair against a rustic brown background. The stark imagery evokes the Robert Johnson blues myth and Mississippi Delta folklore of deals made at the crossroads.

Me and the Devil

A tangled web of truth and fiction surrounds blues legend Robert Johnson’s alleged deal with the devil. Listen to how this quintessential Southern tall tale obscured Johnson’s genuine genius.

By Chuck Reece /
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 /