Underground Bookshelf attended the Roxbury Poetry Festival on June 27th, 2026. Attendees were invited to participate in a one-day micro-poetry contest at our booth, and we received so many great submissions that it was hard to select the winners. But it was truly delightful reading what everyone submitted. I can't wait to do another contest like this at the other events we attend this summer. Below, you'll find one of the top three poems, ""Rainbows" by Juanita Cox. Thank you to everyone who submitted. Keep writing!
If you'd like to connect with Underground Bookshelf again this summer, you can find us at the Disability Pride Celebration at the Museum of Science on July 25th from 10AM - 4PM. Tickets are free with the discount code. Please reach out to me at contact.undergroundbookshelf@gmail.com or visit the Summer Events page to get the code. Booking your tickets in advance is recommended.
"Rainbows"
Rainbows are being flattened into white -
We can stretch them into light,
shining, bridging to what we need next.
About the Poet
Black mother, poet, loving, living and working in Dorchester. Juanita Cox (she/her) is a community builder who supports first-time parents. Recently, her poem, "Hand in Hand," was selected to be featured for the 2026 Mayor's Poetry Collection.
Image Description: A full rainbow arcs over a grassy field. A fish-eye lens accentuates the roundness of the arc.
Credit: Isabelli Pontes / Pexels
Thank you to Porsha Olayiwola and the Roxbury Poetry Festival for hosting Underground Bookshelf!
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