RHINO Poetry: A Champion of Contemporary and Experimental Poetics

For over 45 years, RHINO Poetry has established itself as one of the most dynamic and respected literary journals dedicated exclusively to poetry. Known for its bold curation, commitment to emerging and established voices, and a focus on innovative poetics, RHINO consistently pushes the boundaries of contemporary poetry. With a reputation for publishing work that blends lyricism, experimentation, and raw emotional depth, RHINO Poetry has become an essential platform for poets looking to challenge conventions and expand the literary landscape.

A Rich History of Independent Literary Excellence

Founded in 1976, RHINO Poetry was launched by a collective of passionate poets in Evanston, Illinois. Unlike many university-affiliated literary journals, RHINO has always functioned as an independent, volunteer-run publication, making it a unique presence in the literary world. Its editorial process is highly collaborative, with editors selecting poems through a rigorous blind submission process, ensuring a focus on craft, voice, and originality rather than reputation or literary connections.

Since its founding, RHINO has continued to amplify both emerging and established poets, publishing work that challenges, redefines, and experiments with poetic form and language.

What RHINO Poetry Publishes

RHINO is known for its eclectic, genre-defying approach, welcoming:

Traditional and experimental poetry – From structured verse to hybrid and free-form works, RHINO seeks poetry that pushes creative limits.
Prose poetry – As one of the leading publications for prose poetry, the journal frequently features work that blurs the line between poetry and microfiction.
Translations – RHINO actively publishes poems in translation, supporting a global and multilingual dialogue in contemporary poetry.
Hybrid and cross-genre pieces – The journal is known for exploring intersections between poetry and visual art, hybrid forms, and multimedia expression.

Each issue is a carefully curated mix of styles, themes, and voices, with RHINO editors committed to fostering poetry that speaks to contemporary struggles, joys, and artistic exploration.

Supporting and Elevating Poets

Beyond publishing a highly regarded print journal, RHINO Poetry is deeply engaged in poetry education, community-building, and literary outreach. The organization regularly hosts:

Poetry readings and open mics – Featuring contributors, guest poets, and community members.
Workshops and critique groups – Providing emerging poets with constructive feedback and craft development opportunities.
Annual RHINO Poetry Prize – Recognizing outstanding work and offering cash awards to exceptional poets.
Support for underrepresented voices – The journal actively seeks out and publishes work by BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and marginalized poets, ensuring that diverse perspectives are celebrated.

Through these initiatives, RHINO goes beyond publishing—it plays an active role in shaping and strengthening the poetry community.

Awards and Recognition

Over the years, RHINO Poetry has gained national recognition, with numerous poems published in its pages later appearing in:

The Best American Poetry Series
The Pushcart Prize Anthology
Poetry Daily and Verse Daily Features

The journal has also received numerous awards for excellence in independent publishing, further cementing its reputation as a top-tier literary magazine for contemporary poetry.

A Lasting Legacy in Contemporary Poetry

As one of the longest-running independent poetry journals in the U.S., RHINO Poetry has built a legacy of championing diverse, experimental, and powerful poetic voices. In an era where poetry continues to evolve across digital and multimedia platforms, RHINO remains committed to celebrating poetic craft, pushing artistic boundaries, and fostering an engaged literary community.

For poets and poetry lovers alike, RHINO Poetry is an essential destination—a journal where language, imagination, and emotion converge to create transformative literary experiences.