Smartish Pace is an independent, non-profit literary journal established in 1999 in Baltimore, Maryland. Its founding was initiated by Stephen Reichert, who was a student at the University of Maryland School of Law at the time. The journal's distinctive name, Smartish Pace, is derived from a legal case involving a horse carriage that struck and killed a donkey while traveling at a "smartish pace."

The publication has featured a significant number of poets recognized with prestigious awards such as the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award. Its pages have included works from prominent literary figures like Carl Phillips, Martín Espada, Terrance Hayes, and Natasha Trethewey, among many others. The journal has also brought to light previously unpublished correspondence from Elizabeth Bishop and new translations of Tomas Tranströmer's poetry. Despite being described as "obscure" by Newsweek in one instance, Smartish Pace has consistently been ranked among the top ten poetry magazines in North America, according to Clifford Garstang's 2023 rankings.

Beyond its print contributions, Smartish Pace maintains an active online presence through its website, which hosts "Poets Q & A." This platform serves as the internet's first interactive poetry forum, allowing readers to engage directly with well-known poets. Past participants in this forum include distinguished writers such as Carl Phillips, Sherman Alexie, Jorie Graham, and Robert Creeley. The journal also received recognition as "Best Poetry Journal" from the Baltimore City Paper in 2007.

Smartish Pace began its journey in 1999, established as a non-profit, independent literary journal based in Baltimore, Maryland. The initiative was spearheaded by Stephen Reichert, who was a law student at the University of Maryland at the time of the journal's inception. The unique name, "Smartish Pace," has a rather unusual origin, stemming from a tort case. The case involved a horse carriage that was traveling at what was described as "a smartish pace" and unfortunately resulted in the death of a donkey.

The journal has built a reputation for showcasing poetry from highly acclaimed writers, including numerous Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award winners. Its roster of published poets features distinguished names such as Carl Phillips, Martín Espada, Terrance Hayes, Rae Armantrout, Mark Doty, Natasha Trethewey, and many more. Smartish Pace has also been instrumental in publishing significant literary finds, such as previously unpublished letters by Elizabeth Bishop and award-winning translations of work by Tomas Tranströmer. Despite a past characterization by Newsweek as "obscure," the journal consistently receives high regard, being ranked among the top ten poetry magazines in North America by Clifford Garstang's 2023 Literary Magazine Rankings.

Smartish Pace extends its reach beyond print through its website, which serves as the home for "Poets Q & A." This innovative feature is recognized as the first interactive poetry forum on the internet, enabling readers to pose questions directly to prominent poets. The forum has hosted a diverse array of literary talent, with past participants including well-known figures like Carl Phillips, Sherman Alexie, Jorie Graham, Robert Creeley, Eavan Boland, and Mark Doty. This interactive platform underscores the journal's commitment to fostering a connection between poets and their audience. The publication was also recognized by the Baltimore City Paper in 2007, earning the title of "Best Poetry Journal."

“a smartish pace”

“obscure”