Poeaxtry's Prism

Spell. Stone. & Sparks that Ignite Change

Tag: zines

  • The Story Behind Creating the Brand Name- Poeaxtry

    The Story Behind Creating the Brand Name- Poeaxtry

    Poeaxtry_ began as poetry, grew into ritual craft, lapidary art, and community care. All layered with me, Ax (me), at the core of every creation.

    The Story Behind Poeaxtry_

    Poeaxtry_ started as an idea, a name, a whisper. In 2022, my sister, my friend Dea, and I were brainstorming branding names. Just spit-balling, on snapchat what we thought would eventually be my poetry brand. I wanted a name that carried my voice, experiences, and survival. We landed on Poeaxtry_. Poetry with Ax (me) intertwined. A simple truth that has only rung more true with time.

    At first, it was just supposed to be for my poetry collections. Explore themes like (but not limited to): queerness, recovery, identity, and grief. But Poeaxtry_ is stubborn, and begged for more.

    From Poetry to Full Creative Practice

    Now, Poeaxtry_ encompasses not only my poetry, but handmade lapidary art and rock-hounded creations. Stones I’ve tumbled, polished, sliced for lapidary, slabs that hold texture and story. Ritual tools, wands, spell jars, pendulums, tarot readings, natural sprays, tinctures. Fossil jars and specimens that whisper the histories of the earth. Wreaths, wind chimes, altar decor, and other hand-crafted decor. Journals, zines, and collaborative publishing for marginalized voices. Every piece, every poem, every creation is layered with me, my hands, my heart, my history.

    Even as it grew, the Poeaxtry_ branding name still fit like it was made for this life. Poetry, craft, ritual, and community all intertwined. Each item, poem, ritual is a form of poetry itself. A record of what it means to live, survive, create, and witness.

    While you’re here, think about your own connection to poetry and craft. What do you create that carries you in it?

    A journal entry that tells your story? A handmade object you poured meaning into? A curated ritual, spell, or piece of art you crafted. A poem or reflection that sits in your chest.

    Comment below and share what feels most like you. I always find joy when I am able to see how art lives in other bodies.

    Poeaxtry_ is about more than what you see in any online shop. It’s about presence, survival, ritual, and care. Not only for myself, but for community. It’s about only leaving traces when ethical. It is a whisper. A chill. a silent look or a shared moment. Standing as proof that you exist at this moment, and that you matter.

    Share this post with someone who needs a little creative or spiritual inspiration today. Someone who wants to see poetry and art that live. Stones that speak. Crystals the cry. Rituals that are reminiscent of the care used to create them. Let them know Poeaxtry_ is a space that holds beauty, complexity, and truth.

    Check out Poeaxtry_ shops, portfolio, & internal links

    Etsy. Payhip. Gumroad. Ko-Fi. Amazon.
    Poeaxtry’s Links. Best of Poeaxtry. Journal. Poem

    Want to explore more?

    Visit Poeaxtry and the Prism’s Archive Cheat Sheet. Discover all post categories, with a blurb and link to full post archive for each. Then find every post in that category in chronological order.

  • The Spill: Vol: 9.5- Kindle Unlimited, Stones, and Surprises!

    The Spill: Vol: 9.5- Kindle Unlimited, Stones, and Surprises!

    📖 Hey, Spill readers — this is Volume 9.5.

    A half-volume. A moment to pause, breathe, and catch you up between the big drops.

    If you missed the last one, Volume 9 was all about Revolt, Solo zines, Collabs, and getting our bodies into motion particularly in nature aka hiking. And now Volume 9.5 picks up where that energy left off.

    📚 Kindle Unlimited + Poeaxtry Publications

    Just in case you missed it or forgot…

    All 3 of my self-published eBooks plus my full prompt journal with poems written to every single prompt are available on Kindle Unlimited.

    ✨ Subscribers can read them all free with their membership.

    Each piece is its own reflection, rooted in resistance, softness, and persistence, poetry that walks through the same dirt paths I do.

    📖 Titles currently live on Kindle Unlimited:

    “Beginnings & Endings”

    “Because I was Prompted”

    “Ramblings of the Lost and Found”

    “I like to read; you like to watch the life drain out of a person.”

    🚨 Zines aren’t on Kindle Unlimited… yet.

    You can still find every zine and eBook digitally on Etsy, Gumroad, and Payhip with more platforms coming soon… as I expand The Prism’s reach.

    💌 Not a KU subscriber? No worries.

    You can request free access to read any of my solo Poeaxtry Poetry Prism publications — all I ask in return is an honest review. Fill the form out here or email me at poeaxtry@gmail.com for any questions or concerns.

    💎 New Creations from the Workbench

    Between edits, submissions, and hikes, I’ve been busy in the studio. And I finally upgraded my jewelry designs.

    The new bales I ordered changed everything: now, each piece dangles freely, no longer cradled by a “ball”. It’s just the stone, the metal, the magic. Though you can still get the stones with the balls & still be able to change stones out. There’s just two options now instead of one!

    They move, catch the light differently, and feel more alive. That on theme with the rest of what’s changing around here.

    Keep an eye out for new listings of stone necklaces and keychains soon on Etsy or Locally at Frogwood Boardshop in Heath, Ohio.

    🌿 Trails, Edges, and Inspiration

    My most recent hike took me all the way to The Edge of Appalachia preserve. A place that felt like standing in two worlds at once.

    The silence out there writes its own poems if you listen long enough.

    There’s something about dirt, stone, and distance that sharpens your creative edges. At least for me it does.

    That trip brought a lot of clarity, and maybe even sparked the next adventure… we’ll see.

    Oh and expect a surprise zine and/or ebook drop sometime. I am honestly, sitting on a few completely finished just waiting for me to give in and, give them to you.

    ✍️ 15 Poems & a Manuscript Out in the World

    For the first time in a while, I submitted 15 poems to publications outside my own press. And for the first time ever I submitted an entire manuscript. Fingers crossed🤞🏻

    It’s nerve-wracking, grounding, and freeing. Somehow all at once.

    Every “submit” click is another way of saying, I still believe in this.

    📢 Collabs Still Open

    Both of the following collabs are still live and accepting submissions:

    💬 Voices for the Voiceless — for marginalized creators and allies speaking on silenced or stolen narratives.

    🌈 The Joy They Can’t Erase — a collection centered on joy, resistance, and unapologetic presence from gender nonconformist voices and allies.

    You can always find details and submission links through The Prism hub or my links.

    💬

    This little half-volume is a pulse check. The proof that even between the “big” releases, there’s always movement here.

    New work, new stones, new trails new seasons, and new stories.

    I am still creating, still showing up, still loud where silence used to live, and even more unapologetic about it.

    Thank you for walking this with me.

    — Axton N. O. Mitchell // Poeaxtry_

    Portfolio. Links. Twitch. Amazon Author

  • The Spill: Revolt, Solo Zines, Collabs, and moving vol 9

    The Spill: Revolt, Solo Zines, Collabs, and moving vol 9

    This is Volume 9 of The Spill, the newsletter where I gather up recent Poeaxtry_ news. What I have been pouring into lately: the projects, the gear, the hikes, the collabs, and the small but steady steps toward building something lasting.

    Twitch Possibilities

    The Twitch space is opening wide with possibilities. Think gaming sessions, live rock slicing, witchy streams with tarot readings, pendulum work, spell crafting, foraging rituals, and even virtual rockhounding trips. Poetry readings will land here too. This is a place where all the threads of Poeaxtry_ can weave into something more interactive.

    Revolt & Multi-Platform Mission

    The Revolt server (think Discord, but different) is live, and it’s part of the bigger mission: being present in multiple places so no one in the community is locked into an app they don’t like or use. Our hub is meant to be open and accessible wherever you feel most comfortable, not confined by corporate walls.

    Discord Makeover

    The Discord itself is getting a proper refresh: clearer names, straightforward descriptions, and more sections to come. No fluff, just an easier way to find what you need and connect with who you want.

    Gear Upgrade

    Content creation just got an upgrade with a new tripod that’s going to make stream and recordings cleaner across the board. It doubles as a SELFIE STICK! A “gym bag” I found has transitioned into my field pack. It is loaded with pockets, clip-on options, and even an expandable section. Add an inflatable camping mat to the list (a masons type resell bin score, green and sustainable), and yes shoes! I got new Chuck Taylors that’ll sneak their way into a hike or twenty.

    Fossils & Rockhounding

    Lately I’ve gotten fossils from Sylvia’s Fossil Park and in Richmond, Indiana. So I’ve been cleaning whole plates and full pieces. The finds out there are incredible: brachiopods, trilobites, corals, and other ancient remnants that remind me why rockhounding is so much more than collecting. It’s connection to time itself.

    Collabs & Publishing

    Both of my current collabs are still open! Kelso Volume 1 has officially been published! On top of that, I’m already working on another solo zine. The momentum doesn’t pause here.

    Adventures & Trips

    Last week had been packed: Blacklick Sky Canopy, Millikan Falls, and the Columbus Rose Garden all got their share of footsteps in the same day. This week, I’ll be heading to Conkle’s Hollow in Hocking Hills on Thursday, September 25 for another stretch of trail time and inspiration.

    The Spill is always about what’s moving, what’s being built, and what’s on the horizon. Volume 9 marks another turn in the path, with community spaces growing, creative work expanding, and small joys. fossils to new gear… carrying forward.

    Poeaxtry’s links

    Ko-fi

    Wattpad

  • The Spill Volume 7: Poems, Vacation Adventures, Hidden Freebies, and What’s Next with Poeaxtry_

    The Spill Volume 7: Poems, Vacation Adventures, Hidden Freebies, and What’s Next with Poeaxtry_

    Vacation

    It’s been one hell of a few weeks. I picked up extra days at work to prepare for vacation. All while I am still trying to deal with some kind of collarbone or shoulder injury. I hope to eventually figure out which one. I just got back from a great vacation filled with hiking, climbing, and chasing waterfalls. We also swam a lot. Those steps at Frying Pan Tower are still burning my thighs. Of course, I am already missing my sister and all the good times we had. It definitely ended way too soon.

    My drive home wasn’t boring, either. I stopped at New River Gorge and Hawk’s Nest. I checked out Lover’s leap and Cathedral Falls. I was drenched by rain, but it was worth every damn drop. The photos and videos say it all. Damn, I love those views!


    Creativity

    On the creative side, I have a bunch of new poems. They include: “This Part of Me Is Sick,” “Not the Sun,” and “A Reminder.” I’m thinking about dropping some of those soon, so keep your damn eyes peeled. I honestly have loads more that haven’t made it here yet. If you know what’s up, you’ll stay tuned for more Poeaxtry’s Poetry Prism madness.

    Oh, yea! I’m hiding interactive extras in my E-zines to differentiate them from an E-book! Some things will even be collectible from zine to zine! You’ll have to check them out to see!

    Around where I hike and roam, I’ll be hiding bookmarks that link to free digital downloads. One batch sends you to PayHip, the other to Gumroad. They will each have a one time use code! It’s just my way of keeping the community connected, offering freebies, and getting my work out there! Check hiking trails and free libraries near you!

    Speaking of zines, Tethered Fury is out now on Gumroad and PayHip for $9.99. I haven’t put it on Etsy. I am mostly trying to continue moving away from Etsy completely after the Alligator Alcatraz fiasco. Right now, I’m focusing on PayHip, Gumroad, and maybe Ko-fi for digital sales and freebies. What do you think? Are the cool kids still on Etsy? Has anything really changed? Let me know where you think I should be selling my physical products next.

    Free Zines?

    If you want to connect, or if you need a free copy of Tethered Fury, check out my Connections page. This is especially for those with BPD or another mental illness. You can also email me at poeaxtry@gmail.com. Just ask for the BPD Free Zine code. I’m also always happy to hook you up with freebies in exchange for honest reviews or other indie creations. DM me for details.

    Thanks for sticking with me through the mess. I’m back on the grind and keeping things moving on time, or at least closer to on time!

    Don’t forget my two community collaborations projects. They will feature art, essays, poems, and prose from minority voices. Check my projects page or email me at poeaxtry@gmail.com if you want in or want more info.

    Much love,

    Axton N.O. Mitchell

    @Poeaxtry_

    Form to get Tethered Fury for FREE!
    Free Digital Collections for honest reviews.
    Links

  • The Things That Make Me Lose Track of Time-in The Best Way!

    The Things That Make Me Lose Track of Time-in The Best Way!

    Which activities make you lose track of time?

    Some things just pull me into a rhythm so deep that I don’t notice the hours passing. I’ll forget to eat. I’ll forget to check my phone. When I finally look up, and it’s dark outside or way later than I thought it was. That timeless focus doesn’t happen with most things, but it happens to me in very specific moments.

    Hiking is one of the first thing I found. There’s something about being on a trail where I don’t know exactly where it ends or what I’ll find. When the sounds of the world disappear, I only hear the crunch of my steps. I also hear the rush of water, wind, or leaves. Then I settle into my body in a way that makes everything else fade out. Whether it’s a steep climb or a gentle creek side path, I lose track of time. I become one with the woods.

    Rock hounding is something I love. I will spend hours hunched over riverbanks, dry creeks, or piles of rock debris. I’m always searching for a glimmer of something hidden. The longer I stay, the more I see, and the more I see, the more I want to keep going. It’s never really about the end result. It’s about the process of looking. Honestly, it really is about the small discoveries. It’s about that quiet rush when I find something beautiful that the earth tucked away for me to notice.

    Exploring towns pulls me in. Forgotten roadside stops capture my interest. Waterfalls are equally compelling. Just wandering through places with history or color captivates me in the same way. I like stumbling into things I didn’t plan on. Murals, statues, old buildings, chalk art, or just a view I didn’t expect. When I’m on foot in an unfamiliar place, I usually don’t check the time. I only do so if it’s necessary.

    Then there’s the creative side of me that gets lost too. Writing poetry, making zines, laying out pages or trying to pull together themes for a collection. This takes me out of everything. I blink, and four hours have passed. I’ll go back and read something I don’t even remember writing. That space of creating is one of the few places I feel like I can just exist without pressure. It’s just me and the page. Me and the words. And that feels safe.

    When I lose track of time, it typically means I’m doing something I actually care about. Something that connects me to myself or the world in a way that feels grounding or real. I don’t think losing track of time is a bad thing. I think it’s one of the few times I’m fully here.

    And I need that.

    I think we all do.

    Links Portfolio
    Payhip Ko-Fi

  • Published: The Men Who Are Trans + My First Feature in Forever With Pride

    Published: The Men Who Are Trans + My First Feature in Forever With Pride

    This journal entry marks the beginning of something I’m genuinely proud of.

    My poem The Men Who Are Trans has been published in the newest issue of Forever With Pride. It appears alongside a feature article. The article dives into my creative work, my love of poetry, zines, and even a little nod to rock hounding. This piece is more than just a publication. It marks the first month of a yearlong partnership with the magazine. I couldn’t imagine a better way to begin.

    This poem, in particular, is tender and rooted. It’s a quiet thank-you to the men like me. These are trans men who remember what it’s like to be hurt by someone who was supposed to love them. They use that memory as a guide for how to love others with care and intention.

    The simps who brood over you while staring at the moon.
    They forget to text you
    back while writing verses
    about their favorite muse,
    You.

    The feature article introduces readers to my broader body of work. It includes my handmade items, prompt journals, and e-books over on Etsy. It also shares my deep love for nature and ritual. Additionally, it highlights the thread of advocacy that runs through everything I create. It’s rare to find a publication that understands you completely. They see you not just as a writer, but as a whole, layered person. Forever With Pride does just that.

    You can read the full poem and feature here:

    👉 https://foreverwithpride.com/forever-with-pride-e-magazine/

    I’ll be contributing to Forever With Pride every month for the next year. I’m excited and honestly a little emotional. I’m thinking about where this journey might go. Thank you for being here. Whether you’ve been reading my work for a while or you just found me through something here, it means a great deal to me. Your support matters greatly.

    links Another Publishing Submit to Quarterly