RHINO Poetry occupies a niche somewhere between academia and the emerging poetry scene – devoted to creative work that tells stories, provokes thought, and pushes the boundaries in form and feeling – while connecting with our readers and audience.

We invite traditional or experimental work reflecting passion, originality, artistic conviction, and a love affair with language. We encourage emerging and established writers throughout the United States and around the world. Submissions are read by multiple editors with various tastes, all looking for quality work. Sometimes we call ourselves “eclectic” in the best sense of the word. We are proud of the content and variety of each issue we publish.

We foster a community of writers by presenting online and local live events, the RHINO Reviews online series, awarding three cash prizes to poets each year, and celebrating the accomplishments of our contributors on our homepage, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. We are a proud contributor to the vitality of Illinois’ literary community, both through our Editors’ volunteer work with area literary events and causes and our participation at Printers Row Lit Fest.

RHINO Poetry Donation Campaign 2025

Team Members