For features and other inquires, please contact: alexaimeekist@gmail.com
“I am not saying you will find the meaning of life in other people. I am saying that other people are the life to which you provide the meeting.”
-Neil Hilborn, This is Not the End of the World
“I should mention hope, since hope is what disarms the bomb when the city clutches their children goodnight”
-Hieu Minh Nguyen, Notes on Staying
“I cannot tell anymore when a door opens or closes, I can only hear the frame saying, Walk through.”
-Ada Limón, Sharks in the Rivers
Current Positions
Ginger Bug Press – Managing Editor
Alex has worked with Ginger Bug Press since 2023 as their Managing Editor. They were immediately drawn to the slogan “for fermented art” and the press’ dedication to printing the strange and experimental. Working alongside Editor-in-Chief Lip Manegio and a fantastic team of poets, Alex is excited to act as a poetry doula – bringing your peculiar pieces into the world.
Boston Poetry Slam – Development Coordinator
After establishing a relationship with Boston Poetry Slam as the Festival Manager of the 2023 NorthBeast Regional, Alex was brought on as a member of staff. Working with a team of dedicated individuals, Alex is excited to act as the Development Coordinator and help push the organization toward its goals.
Where to Find My Work
Quartz Literary, Issue II
“I only take showers”
This poem was hard to write and satisfying to finish. A statement piece on body dysmorphia, “I only take showers” asks what it is we need to lose to feel like ourselves. Even more so, it questions if we can ever fully lose those pieces of ourselves. These concepts are deeply felt as a trans individual who has also battled with other aspects of discomfort in their body. I hope that this poem can bring catharsis to others who struggle with their relationship to their physical self.
The 2021 Poetry Marathon Anthology
“The Only Time My Mind Goes Blank is With Your Hands On My Hips, Descending”
The Poetry Marathon is a yearly event where poets write 12 poems in 12 hours, or 24 poems in 24 hours. The authors of these poems live all over the world. This anthology includes poets who are being published for the very first time, as well as poets who have widely published in books, literary journals, and anthologies. My poem in this anthology is a celebration of a new bond being formed.
Beyond Queer Words (2021)
“Taxonomy of Moving in with Your Parents in Quarantine”
Taxonomy was born of frustration, of a need to be seen. As a non-binary individual, I am unfortunately used to being perceived as something I am not. And when you’re addressed with the wrong pronouns every day there is a certain exhaustion that sets in. The only way I have found to ease that ache is to write about it. Above all else, I wrote this poem as a way of helping others who struggle with this to feel seen.
The Closed Eye Open, Issue IV
“Blackthorns & Clay”
This poem is about spending years of my life prepared to die, about wishing it would happen. And all the while, I was accidentally molding a person I am proud to be, crafting resilience and strength from the threads of tragedy. This poem illustrates my choice to live. And now, after building a life I value, I look back with such compassion. This poem is for every person who wants to thank their past self for staying and for everyone who is still questioning if they want to. Stay.
Workshops & Shows to Support
NorthBeast Regional 2023
Produced by the Boston Poetry Slam
Festival Manager: Alex Aimee Kist
On June 17th-18th, representatives from poetry venues across New England will compete at the Cambridge Foundry. This two-day poetry slam and festival features compelling spoken word competitions, workshops, readings, and a chapbook exchange. But, above all, the event will act as an opportunity to build and strengthen our community.
Boston Poetry Slam
Open Mic, Slam, & Features at the Cantab Lounge
This Wednesday night event in Cambridge, MA has everything you should look for in a poetry experience. The open mic features local poets who share work they may never share anywhere else. The slam is a fun and banger-filled event that pushes poets to move the audience in new ways. And, of course, the features expose the room to new and loved poets. To tie it all together, this poetry community is genuinely supportive and really quite special.
The Writing Circle
A workshop hosted by Neil Hilborn
This workshop is a joyous space to grow your craft and find a community that truly cares about you and your work. Attendees can purchase passes for either single workshops or all ten workshops in the season. Participants will be emailed a Zoom link, a Google Document with the week’s readings, and links to the week’s playlist in advance of each workshop. Purchasers of one-time passes will receive links for the next meeting chronologically.
Undercurrent
A workshop hosted by Desireé Dallagiacomo
Desireé leads this workshop in a way that balances structure and engagement. She is a wonderful facilitator dedicated to creating space for others. Undercurrent is a weekly writing workshop. All skill levels are welcome and each workshop is different and stand alone. Click here to explore their Instagram and learn a little bit more.
Resilient
A variety show hosted by Kathleen Kinlin
Resilient is a variety show celebrating survivors of sexual violence. Half of the proceeds go directly to Resilience, an organization dedicated to the healing and empowerment of sexual assault survivors through non-judgmental crisis intervention. I have so much love for the Resilient community in Chicago, IL. Sharing my work in this space was an incredibly healing experience and I would recommend it to any performer or audience member.
Alex Aimee Kist 