Luke Rouker

Luke Rouker is a poet, advocate, and devoted community member living in central Ohio. After moving frequently as a child, Luke found a lasting community in Southwest Virginia, spending much of his childhood in the Appalachian Mountains. He went on to earn his engineering degree at The Ohio State University and still cheers for the Buckeyes every Saturday in the fall. Luke draws inspiration from nature, social justice, and personal experiences of resilience and growth. When he’s not writing, Luke works as a site reliability engineer, cycles in Pelotonia, volunteers with the Red Cross, and is active in political and community efforts. Luke’s poetry reflects a commitment to love, equity, and the power of connection, shaped by Lutheran teachings, Buddhist practice, and a belief in radical compassion and Love. Luke's poems represent a deeply personal journey, touching on themes of family, loss, identity, and hope. Luke is grateful to his wife, family, friends, and community for their constant support in bringing these words to life.