about

lisa panepinto is author of the poetry collections nature of infinity (spuyten duyvil, 2025), where i come from the fish have souls (spuyten duyvil, 2019), and on this borrowed bike (three rooms press, 2013). her writing has appeared in newspapers, journals, and anthologies including the glassblockpittsburgh city paper, and yes, poetry; been the recipient of a ruth b. slonim award; and received a pushcart prize nomination. panepinto’s literary work has been informed by her experiences serving as a senior companion through the united way and as an americorps v.i.s.t.a. through the national society for american indian elderly. her background also includes leading poetry workshops for youth in foster care, teachers, and nonprofits; serving as an independent radio disc jockey; and freelancing as a transcriber and editor. she is interested in how poetry and art can be used to bear witness and foster environmental and social justice.  

photo of lisa panepinto © ryan roderick

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i dial a poet
i dial a song

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i dial a mother
a father
a sister
a friend

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i know there are saints
in the starry
river 

where i come from the fish have souls