A story from her freshman year at the University of Iowa pretty much sums up Poet Laureate Amelia Kibbie.
“My roommate was a sorority girl who really liked crop tops and did not like cleaning her side of the room. Needless to say, we didn’t get along well. I was an ‘alternative’ theater kid, way more into Indie music, improv comedy and intermedia art than partying at the downtown bars,” Kibbie explained.
“One night she’s preparing for a Greek formal. Her date shows up. I’m sitting on my bed in sweatpants, eating Nilla Wafers and watching late-night TV. He looks at me and asks condescendingly, ‘Are YOU Greek?’ and I said, ‘Nah man, I’m German. My mom’s maiden name was Scharnberg,” Kibbie replied.
That quick wit exemplifies her deep insight and feeling, traits which lead Kibbie to write from her soul.
One result is the newly released limited edition book Final Elegance: Abandon and Return. Kibbie’s 23 select poems are paired with compelling black and white images by photographer Robert Campagna.
On Sept. 23, during the Lincoln Highway Arts Festival, Kibbie will read and sign books at Mount Vernon Creates. Assorted book images will also be displayed there throughout September and October. A second reading is set for Oct. 19.
A 2002 Mount Vernon High School graduate, Kibbie now is the TAG coordinator and 8th grade reading instructor in the Lisbon Community School system.
She received her BA and MA from the University of Iowa in English education, teaching and learning.
In 2020 the Mount Vernon Area Arts Council (MVAAC) named Kibbie as their Poet Laureate. Her term ends in December, 2023.
“I have always written poetry but had never thought of myself primarily as a poet. I always thought of myself as a ‘perfection’ writer,” Kibbie mused.
“My motivation to be Poet Laureate had more to do with organizing a public event, community outreach, and about the community involvement part,” she added.
Among activities Kibbie created were a young writer’s night at the SE Linn Community Center, and a poetry night at Mount Vernon Creates.
“A favorite event of mine was ‘poetry on the spot’ at winter holiday markets in the First Street Community Center,” Kibbie remembered, detailing how she “clacked away” on a manual typewriter to draw peoples’ notice.
“I am good at writing fast. For donations to SE Linn, I would write dedicated poems upon request.” Those poems became the only copies that existed. She gave them away, never to see them again.
Kibbie also has crafted original poems for the community’s Memorial Day services, two of which are included in her book. She twice launched Heritage Days with newly authored verse.
Describing her new book as “thematic with Midwestern feel,” Kibbie cites how her poetry and Campagna’s photographs produced an interchange of inspiration.
Her epic Hunchback of the Barns weaves seven passionate stanzas with six deeply rich images of a historic dairy barn in Lisbon.
July Canning is a testimony to Kibbie’s ancestors, a warm recognition of simpler, self-sufficient times.
Kibbie began collaborating with Campagna in April, 2021 shortly after both had returned to live in the area. A quarter century prior, she was Campagna’s photography student in the renowned College For Kids program.
“I had known her family for some time. When I returned to Mount Vernon, I learned that Amelia was the Poet Laureate. I asked her to collaborate,” Campagna said.
In the ensuing two years they have created a book, an exhibit, and an opportunity for the public to see their work.
Campagna designed the book, a compact, professionally printed product which is delightful to hold. The book Final Elegance: Abandon and Return is available through Mount Vernon Creates or from the authors.
The book is sponsored in part by the Mount Vernon Area Arts Council.
Reflecting on her tenure as Poet Laureate Kibbie affirmed, “I am super grateful for my time. What a cool experience! I got into the community, doing things, reconnecting, getting to really appreciate this area more. I came back as an adult and thought ‘Oh I get it now!’ I got to be part of what makes Mount Vernon a real treasure.”
Indeed, what a treasure Amelia Kibbie proves to be.
Bob Campagna is a local photographer and writer. His email is [email protected].

Gallery • 1 Photos

The limited-edition book Final Elegance: Abandon and Return is a 76-page collection of 23 Amelia Kibbie poems illustrated by select black and white images created by photographer Robert Campagna.