Poetry in Motion is a project born out of an initial collaboration with poet Annette Skade in December 2025. It took the shape of a poem called Oíche Nollag printed on a note set that spoke to the Christmas traditions that bind us.
As a former literary journal editor, the idea of celebrating the words of a poet alongside the handwritten words of the sender is exciting for me because of the potential connections such a combination could spark.
So I asked myself: in an era of screens and disconnection, could the words of a poet, alongside a handwritten message from a friend or loved one, reinforce bonds that have been diluted by time or technology? This project aims to find out, through poems on stationery that evoke traditions, community and treasured relationships; nature, a sense of place, and belonging.
POETRY IN MOTION – what are the details?
Every quarter A C H A R A will print a set of notes with a poem and I’m on the hunt for poetry. Poems should centre around each season, and this can be taken as broadly as you like, but I’m particularly interested in poetry that speaks about relationships (of all kinds), connection, and/or a sense of place. You can see full details below and if you have a poem that might suit a future season, please do send it on.
The note set will be publicised on Instagram, Substack, newsletter, etc., and sold here on this website. The notes have also been featured in national papers such as the Irish Independent.
Know anyone who might be interested? Please do send them this link.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES – what am I looking for?
Poems must be no longer than eight lines. Remember, the poem must fit on an A6 size note.
I’m particularly interested in Irish poets or international poets living in Ireland.
Theme: broadly speaking each season (spring, summer, autumn & winter) and particularly I’m interested in relationships (with people, places, objects, etc.), Irishness, tradition, connection, and/or sense of place. More specific information below.
For Autumn 2026, please send submissions to hello@acharastationery.com by the 10th August 2026. I would love poetry influenced by Samhain – end of the harvest season, start of winter – and the traditions and celebrations associated with an Irish autumn.
For Winter 2026, please send submissions to hello@acharastationery.com by the 1st November 2026. I would love poetry influenced by Grianstad – the winter solstice – representing the deepest of darkness before the rebirth of the light. Equally, the evening’s drawing in, the crackle of a fire, red berries on the Holly tree, and the reassuring warmth of Christmas traditions in the season that follows.
Tell me a little about yourself, where you’re from, what you’re up to. I love to hear your stories.
If you have something suitable for another season, please do send it on at any time.
The published poem will receive €70 and a copy of the note set.
Any questions? Feel free to ask below.
