The poem “Arkansas” by Annie Crouch, senior psychology major from Fayetteville, recently appeared in the American Literary Review, a literary magazine published through the Department of English at the University of North Texas, which “features poems, stories, essays, reviews, and interviews that reflect the diverse tradition of writers in America and abroad.” In publication since 1990, the American Literary Review has a tradition of excellence and welcomes work by authors from underrepresented communities.
Crouch writes of The Natural State in their poem aptly named “Arkansas.” Born in the capital city, but moving to Fayetteville at age five, Crouch grew up in the most densely populated sections of the state but also has ties to the rural northeast corner.
“I spent a lot of time during my childhood in Northeastern Arkansas. My mom grew up in Wynne and my great-grandmother lives in Parkin, both tiny towns. I think having exposure to both conservative, rural areas as well as more liberal, urban parts of the state certainly informed the way I wrote the poem,” said Crouch.
Current events and fighting against negative impressions of Arkansans inspired Crouch.
“I have a lot of faith in queer Arkansans and our ability to rally for what or who is important to us. Despite the political state of the US broadly, people of color and queer folk in the South have always shown up and done the work to invoke change in their communities.”
Crouch added, “I want to remind outsiders there are many intelligent, thoughtful people here [in Arkansas] despite Southern stereotypes.”
As a student at Hendrix College, Crouch credits being a part of the Hendrix-Murphy Foundation’s Scholars Program in Literature and Language, an opportunity for students from all majors to deepen their knowledge of literature and language through a variety of enhanced experiences, for setting them up for success as a writer.
“My experience as a Murphy Scholar has massively impacted my writing. Getting to be engaged with a community that is excited about literature, trips abroad, learning opportunities on campus to hear from published authors, or working on the Aonian staff has not only encouraged me to develop my writing skills but has challenged me to think more deeply about who I am as a writer,” said Crouch.
The Aonian is Hendrix's student-run annual literary & arts magazine, publishing poetry, prose and visual art. The Aonian exclusively publishes student work.
Crouch also values the mentorship and inspiration from those around them.
“I am inspired by my many talented classmates and professors. Dr. Colleen Mayo’s guidance and encouragement throughout my final years as an undergrad has been indispensable. Former Murphy Fellow, Dr. Julia Kolchinsky, really developed my love of writing and reading poetry. The entire English faculty here at Hendrix are truly wonderful and so attentive to their students.”
After graduation this Spring, Crouch plans on returning to Fayetteville and entering a graduate program while continuing to pursue creative writing. They hope to submit and publish more works in the future.
As part of the series “Mockingbird Word,” a community-based radio project celebrating Arkansan stories, you can hear Annie read their poem later this year on KHDX, Hendrix’s student-run radio station. On-air since 1973, KHDX can be found at 93.1 FM or by streaming live online at khdx.fm. Read Crouch’s poem “Arkansas” here: americanliteraryreview.com/2024/11/05/annie-crouch/.
The Hendrix-Murphy Foundation Programs in Literature and Language were founded in 1978 by a gift from Charles H. Murphy, Jr., former CEO of Murphy Oil Corporation, in memory of his mother Bertie Wilson Murphy. Their mission is to enhance and enrich the study of literature and language at Hendrix College. For more information, visit hendrixmurphy.org.