Irena Kaci
Have you ever wished that your town had a literary journal? You will be glad to hear that your town does! As of early 2025, the Worcester County Poetry Association (WCPA) has launched a new publication focused on poets and writers in Worcester County,, and named after one of Central Massachusetts’ most charming features: The Three Decker.
Originally entitled The Issue, this homage to Worcester County writers has deep roots. Editor and co-founder Rob Baker speaks about the journal’s inception. “There is so much happening with the local writing and arts scene in Worcester County that we thought it was time to do more to capture this moment. There’s even more inspiration to draw from our own history in the WCPA. Twenty-five years ago, the WCPA published The Issue, our own small literary magazine.”
Initially intended as an ‘occasional publication’ the spirit of The Issue, which is now the legacy of The Three Decker, was far more informal. Paul Szlosek talked about his vision. “I liked the idea of a more informal, even lax journal, allowing everyone a voice no matter how accomplished or not. I envisioned a printed version of an open stage poetry venue, sort of a paper coffeehouse.”
Of course, re-vamping a journal is no small feat. Thankfully the Worcester Cultural Coalition came knocking with an opportunity. The City’s Poet Laureate Program was looking for a way to publish and showcase poems written by the Laureates during their tenure. This was the perfect alignment of local and national: the tapestry of the City woven in black and white print.
“Without that backing from the city, at the very start, this would’ve been a very different and much longer journey.” said Board President Elizabeth Bacon.
The Three Decker, so named by member and local journalist Kayti Burt, began drumming up interest straight away. As a two-issue per year publication, The Three Decker has seen more than 100 submissions in its first year. More than that though, The Three Decker is a community building endeavor.
The concept of the journal is to engage and connect with the community. The cover art for each of the inaugural issues were designed by local artists. The cover art for the Summer Issue was the repurposed Redemption Rock Beer can art for the Helles Lager. The choice was made as an homage to Redemption Rock Brewing for being such a wonderful Worcester institution as well as for hosting a recurring open mic night for the WCPA. The cover art for the Winter Issue was designed by local artist Eamon Gillen. All subsequent covers will employ a local artist to give their take on a classic Three Decker moment here in Worcester County.
Each issue is celebrated with a launch party. The community events are open to everyone and invite local musician David Leach to accompany the readers with his piano. Leach’s unique style of collaborating with the poets on stage, playing while they read their published poem three times, is an art form all of its own, and a perfect way to fold music into the mix.
Kate Gregoire who is the most recent addition to the editorial team is looking forward to a Poetry Month celebration of Three Decker. “Worcester Public Library (WPL) has invited us to host a special reading for Poetry Month to take place on April 21st at 6pm in the WPL Auditorium. All contributors to the journal have been invited to participate in a split program of feature poets and open mic. It’s going to be a wonderful event. We are also organizing a ‘group poem’ for participants. Anyone who loves poetry and wants to celebrate April as poetry month, this event will be a moment for our city.”
Like all artistic ideas, it is always a tenuous balance between passion or hard work and sustainability. Co-Founder and Editor Rob Baker is eager to grow the journal. “We are exploring all funding partnerships at this juncture. This journal has the potential to bring so much focus to our local businesses, to our local artists, but we still need community partners that believe in it, and in us.”
“I was bowled over by the authenticity and strength of the poetry and prose. The high number of submissions showed the passion for writing at work in Worcester County.” Judy Ferrara, reader for the Winter Issue.
Three Decker is open for submissions until April 11th for its Summer 2026 Issue. And will reopen submissions for the Winter 2026 Issue in early Fall. For submission guidelines and how to submit head over to threedecker.org . The website also features a blog where you can read all about the first two Issues, and the poets behind them.
Baker continued, “We couldn’t be more proud of and inspired by every writer and poet in Worcester County who has submitted their work. We’ve enjoyed reading everything submitted thus far and look forward to more issues that celebrate our joyous community.”