Tonya West

Poet + Writer

United States

Tonya West is a Vermonter who joined the Poetry Society of Vermont in 2026. Her poetry is forthcoming in PSOV's "The Mountain Troubadour", and has appeared in AC PAPA, a literary magazine that celebrates Florida; the St. Augustine Record; and elsewhere.

West has a B.A. in English-Journalism from Vermont State University – Lyndon Campus, where she served as editor of The Critic and nonfiction and poetry editor of The Lyndon Review. She was a one-time editor of the now defunct Caledonia County weekly newspaper, The Lyndon Independent; a freelance writer for Hometown News in Volusia County, Florida; and volunteer blogger for The Hub on Canal, an artist collaborative in New Smyrna Beach, Florida.

Poets and songwriters who inspire her include Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Ben Atkinson, Billy Joel, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Chris Bodor, David Budbill, Jeffrey McDaniel, John Prine, Joni Mitchell, Lucinda Williams, Michael Henry Lee and Neil Young.

Portfolio

POETRY

"An Exploration of Voice in Poetry" presented by Tim Mayo at Waitsfield Village Meeting House
05/17/2026
Poetry Society of Vermont Members Explore "Voice" at Spring 2026 Workshop

A ten-time Pushcart Prize nominee, Tim Mayo helped Poetry Society of Vermont members explore "voice in poetry" before facilitating smaller groups for workshopping. As a new member of the society, Tonya workshopped her "old" poem "Somewhere in Apopka, Florida around 1973". When not in the company of poets, she wandered around the beautiful village of Waitsfield, and enjoyed conversing about local history with gallery shop owners, metal workers and a heroed tree named "Floyd."

Refractions Art & Poetry Exhibit, Jan. 15 - Mar. 15, 2019
The Art of Anna Miller and the Poetry of Ancient City Poets

Tonya West was one of 10 Ancient City Poets in 2019 who exhibited their poetry alongside fine artist Anna Miller's "Refractions" series. Tonya's poem “Let's Play” was her creative response to Miller's “Vibrations” series. The project resulted in an impressive exhibit (and subsequent publication) entitled “Refractions” at the St. Johns County Administrative Building Rotunda in St. Augustine. As a result, Miller was honored for “elevating St. Johns County’s Art in Public Spaces to the next level.”

First Night Line-Up | Seven Days, Vermont's Alternative Weekly
12/26/2007
Tonya West Brings "Blues Poetry" to First Night Burlington Line-Up

Tonya West took 3rd in a poetry slam hosted by slammaster Geof Hewitt, and won a prestigious "Cowboy Cooking Class." The first-place winner, however, forfeited their prize and the opportunity to perform at First Night was offered to Tonya. Not quite ready for a 40-minute stint, but jumping at the chance anyway, she performed a sultry mix of sung and spoken-word “blues poetry” at the FlynnSpace. Chummy with the sound guy, she loves to recall his one-word review of her performance: "Brave."

WRITING & MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS

College Planning & Management Press Release
A New Use for Old Wood Bleachers

An innovative re-use of material destined for the landfill is one of many sustainable initiatives underway at Vermont's Johnson State College.

Hometown News
Chiropractic Doctor Born into the Profession

“I’ve been adjusted my whole life, since I was born,” said Dr. Meckle, whose parents met in chiropractic college in Davenport, Iowa. “I grew up in my dad’s office and shadowed him throughout my whole entire life.”