Not Just the Fire

Read the debut poetry collection that was hailed as a “mesmerizing entry into the literary world.”

Meet the Poet

Find a poetry reading, author signing, or another event happening near you!

Original Artwork

Paintings, drawings, & scultpures that evoke strong lyrical sentiments.

Poetry Collections

The Good Truth

R.B. Simon’s debut poetry chapbook published by Finishing Line Press in 2021.

Not Just the Fire

The 2023 full-length collection published by Cornerstone Press.

Bird, Bone, Blood

The forthcoming collection that will be published by Milk & Cake Press in 2025.

About R.B. Simon

An award-winning poet, R.B. Simon (she/her) currently lives in Madison, WI. As a Black, queer, disabled artist and writer, she often writes about her own experience, including the intersectionality of her identities. R.B. Simon began writing poetry consistently in 2019 and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Edgewood College with a B.S. in Art Therapy and a Psychology Minor in May 2023. She is currently enrolled in the Masters of Art Therapy & Counseling program at Edgewood College.

She has been published in a wide variety of online and print publications, and she currently serves as the Managing Editor of Harbor Editions.  Notably, R.B. Simon won First Place for the 2023 Kali’s Moksha Zoyer Zyndel Poetry Prize, for her poem “indelible,” and her forthcoming collection Bird, Bone, Blood (2025) was a Finalist for the Nervous Ghost Press 2023 Book Award.

As a visual artist, R.B. Simon often creates abstract pieces using various media (watercolors, archival ink, acrylics, oil paints, oil pastels). Each of her pieces evokes deep emotion to complement her poetry. Because she is an Art Therapist, she knows that creating and participating in art (both written and visual) can be deeply healing. While she has a large variety of paintings and drawings available in her shop, she also accepts commissions.

Support R.B. Simon’s Work

Attend an Upcoming Event

R.B. Simon regularly hosts art therapy workshops and attends ongoing events as part of her book tour for Not Just the Fire. This is a great way to support & bring more visibility to her work.

Recent Press

Check out recent press that R.B. Simon has received for her award-winning poetry, including podcast appearances, media features, and a recent interview with Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR).

Past Performances

Can’t get enough of R.B. Simon? Check out the archives for past performances of her poetry that you can watch over and over again. We have recordings from both The Good Truth and Not Just the Fire.

Original Art & Poetry

Get original artwork, including paintings & drawings, as well as 3D sculptures, merch, and signed copies of R.B.’s poetry books.