High Country Poet Laureate wins Weatherford Award

Redhawk Publications honors Appalachian poetry collection

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:58pm

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An abstract, geometric composition of sharp, overlapping black silhouettes representing the natural elements of the Appalachian landscape, conveying a sense of dynamic movement and artistic expression.A prestigious literary award honors the vibrant poetry of North Carolina's High Country, giving voice to the region's natural beauty and resilient spirit.Hickory Today

Redhawk Publications has announced that the poetry collection "Had I a Dove: Appalachian Poets on the Helene Flood" has won the prestigious Weatherford Award. The collection features work from the North Carolina Poet Laureate and other acclaimed Appalachian poets.

Why it matters

The Weatherford Award is one of the top honors for Appalachian literature, recognizing works that capture the culture and experiences of the region. This award brings national attention to the vibrant poetry scene in North Carolina's High Country and the diverse voices exploring themes of nature, community, and the Appalachian way of life.

The details

"Had I a Dove" is a collection of poems from the North Carolina Poet Laureate and other acclaimed Appalachian poets reflecting on the devastating 2024 Helene Flood that impacted communities across the region. The poems explore the resilience, grief, and connection to the land in the aftermath of the natural disaster.

  • The Weatherford Award winners were announced on April 2, 2026.

The players

Redhawk Publications

A regional publishing house focused on Appalachian literature and culture.

"Had I a Dove: Appalachian Poets on the Helene Flood"

A poetry collection featuring work from the North Carolina Poet Laureate and other acclaimed Appalachian poets reflecting on the 2024 Helene Flood.

Weatherford Award

A prestigious literary award recognizing works that capture the culture and experiences of the Appalachian region.

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The takeaway

This award highlights the vibrant and diverse poetry scene in North Carolina's High Country, with local voices exploring the region's natural beauty, tight-knit communities, and resilience in the face of natural disasters.