During the COVID-19 lockdowns, many people felt isolated and anxious. Joy seemed elusive during those times, but it was something we all needed. The award-winning poet VeerajaR, known as The Joy Poet, writes to uplift spirits and bring joy. Her name reflects her mission.
VeerajaR is the featured poet for September at Poetic Bliss Open-Mic Poetry, a monthly event hosted by Henry L. Jones, Hendersonville’s first Poet Laureate. The event, held at Just Love Coffee Cafe, began in August. VeerajaR’s mother, a teacher, inspired her to write and share her poetry. This inspiration has helped her win numerous awards.
Visitors to Poetic Bliss this month will hear from VeerajaR, a Franklin resident and author of two well-regarded poetry books: Beyond Loving: Poetry Honoring Every Mother (2018) and Joy of Being: Poetry for the Heart, Mind & Spirit (2013). She also co-authored Resurrection Reflections (2009).
VeerajaR is the Editor of BEYOND POETRY: Poets From The Neighborhood Decennial Celebration Anthology (2024) and the Executive Producer of the Tennessee Poets from the Neighborhood (PFTN) program. She hosts a weekly open-mic poetry set and a poetry TV show on Franklin County’s WC-TV, an educational channel.
Her poetry is featured in several anthologies and journals, including Best Poets (2016, 2018, 2021), Haiku Society Of America (2017-2022), Where The Mind Dwells: Contemplation (2015), and Filtered Through Time (2012). In the science realm, VeerajaR, also known as Dr. Veera S. Jaratnam, serves as a Consulting Editor and Clinical Writer for Biomed Scientific Journal. She is a researcher in Biomedical Therapeutic Research and a professor at Vanderbilt University.
This month, VeerajaR will bring her poetic talents to the cafe. Known for her exploration of nature’s beauty, her poetry will be a fitting prelude to the changing seasons. Last month’s event brought joy and emotion to attendees, and this month promises the same.
Join us on September 26, 2024, at Just Love Coffee Cafe, located at 117 Saundersville Road, Suite 101, Hendersonville, TN. Sign-up starts at 5:30 p.m., with the reading at 6:00 p.m., followed by an open-mic session for poets. This free event is open to the public. Look for the cafe’s green and brown coffee beans!